OREANDA-NEWS. On 12 May 2009 was announced, that Italy is genuinely interested in investment opportunities in Belarus, the press service of President Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus quoted the head of state following his visit to Italy and Vatican. The Belarusian delegation handed a package of investment proposals over to Prime Minister of Italy Silvio Berlusconi.

Lukashenko and Berlusconi noted the similarity of positions on ways to address the global crisis and responsible role of the government in responding to the effects of the crisis and maintaining a healthy economic and social environment.

Lukashenko noted Belarus’ interest in promoting the dialogue with the European Union. Belarus insists on simplifying the visa regime and reducing visa costs for Belarusians and offers beneficial investment cooperation projects, promising projects in manufacturing, power engineering and banking.

Lukashenko and Berlusconi agreed that the head of the Italian government could soon pay a return visit to Minsk. A group of Italian businessmen will visit the Belarusian capital city beforehand.

“Silvio Berlusconi said he was ready to visit Belarus soon and continue our conversation. “It may happen as early as this autumn, but we will have time to agree in advance,” Lukashenko said.

Italy was Belarus’ eighth-largest trading partner in 2008, with U.S. USD 1.2 billion worth of export and import operations, up 45% on the year. Belarusian exports to Italy increased 73.8% to USD 320.5 million in 2008, and in January-February 2009, exports fell 53.1% on the year to USD 18.54 million, mostly because of short purchases of Belarusian metals and metal products.

Belarus has 81 companies with Italian capital, including 48 joint ventures and 33 companies with 100% foreign capital. In the period between 2002 and 2007 Italy invested some USD 100.1 million in Belarus, which includes USD 7.3 million in FDI. In 2008 lone, Italian investments totaled USD 4.7 million, including USD 3.3 million in FDI.

Asked who would be representing Belarus during the Eastern Partnership summit in Prague, Lukashenko said the decision would be taken very soon. He asked not to emphasize the issue, though. According to the president, “if someone feels uneasy because of Lukashenko’s presence in Prague, Lukashenko won’t go there.”

At the same time, Lukashenko said Berlusconi hoped to see him in Prague. “Yesterday, when he was saying good-bye, Berlusconi said: ‘I hope to see you in Prague, just like many other leaders do. Our attitude to Belarus is different from what the media say. We are better informed, and we are aware of the processes taking place in Belarus now.”