(Agencia Bolivariana de Noticias) - "Italian companies expressed their interest in expanding their participation in the productive and trade activities in Venezuela, especially in energy, aluminum and steel sectors, the Italian ambassador in Venezuela Gerardo Carante said.

When answering about the investment expectations of Italian businessmen in Venezuela, the ambassador said: 'Italy is the first European commercial partner of Venezuelan and it will continue being the most important partner for this country'.

He stressed that imports from Italy to Venezuela have doubled in the last four years and underlined that several Italian companies cooperate to strengthen the development of Venezuela in railroad, energy, port and transport sectors.

The Italian ambassador stressed that they will continue working with the Venezuelan government to strengthen the commercial and economic ties between both nations.

Ambassador Carante attended the opening ceremony of the First Symposium Liberty and Liberation: Bolívar, Garibaldi and Gramsci, held in the Center for Latin American Studies Rómulo Gallegos (Celarg)".