Kazakhstan and Italy agree to increase trade and business contactsAstana and Rome have agreed to increase mutual trade and intensify business contacts between the two countries, the press service of the Kazakh leader reported.According to the press service, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met with Italian President Sergio Mattarella in Astana on Monday to discuss the implementation of agreements reached during Tokayev's official visit to Italy last year. The meeting, held as part of the Italian president's official visit to Astana, also identified new areas of cooperation."We have agreed to further increase the volume of mutual trade. An important task has been set to intensify business contacts in order to expand the range of [export] goods," Tokayev is quoted as saying in a statement released by his press service.According to the Kazakh president, the sides have begun considering new investment projects that meet mutual interests."Special attention was paid to the energy, agriculture, engineering, light and food industries. We believe the intergovernmental commission on economic cooperation should focus these areas of cooperation," Tokayev noted.Furthermore, the presidents of Kazakhstan and Italy discussed strengthening ties in the transport and logistics sector, including expanding the potential of international transport routes such as the Trans-Caspian Corridor. The sides also considered opportunities for cooperation in logistics, infrastructure and the processing industry.Trade turnover between Kazakhstan and Italy reached $20 billion in the twelve months of 2024 and $11.3 billion in January-August this year, with over 250 Italian companies currently operating in Kazakhstan. Since 2005, Italy has invested more than $7.6 billion into Kazakhstan's economy. (ICE ALMATY)

Fonte notizia: INTERFAX