Azernews.Az

By Nazrin Gadimova

Azerbaijan and Italy's relations and expanding bilateral cooperation in economic, cultural, and humanitarian fields were discussed at an event about Azerbaijan held in Bergamo, Italy.

Co-organized by Azerbaijan's Embassy in Rome and Bergamo Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the event brought together Italian businessmen and local public figures.

Azerbaijani Ambassador Vagif Sadigov met Mayor of Bergamo Franco Tentorio on the sidelines of the event.

Speaking at the event, President of the Bergamo Chamber of Commerce Giovanni Paolo Malvestiti emphasized the importance of the event in terms of studying Azerbaijan's economic opportunities, adding that Azerbaijan was an important trade partner for Italy.

Sadigov, in turn, highlighted Azerbaijan's economic developments, saying that the international community has praised Azerbaijan's progress in diversifying its economy.

He also touched upon the TAP project, saying it would play a significant role in ensuring energy security of Europe.

Italian businessmen are interested in investing in Azerbaijan's non-oil sector, especially the infrastructure and food industries, Sadigov said, adding that there were great potentials for realizing projects in Azerbaijanis regions.

Italy remains the largest importer of Azerbaijani goods, and almost a quarter of Azerbaijan's exports went to Italy in the first 6 months of 2013, compared to 22 percent in the same period in 2012.

Currently, 45 Italian companies operate in Azerbaijan in insurance, banking, trade, and other areas.