OREANDA-NEWS. November 12, 2009. Announced Kazakh Economy Minister Bakhyt Sultanov who was part of the Kazakh delegation. At a Kazakh-Italian business forum held in the course of President Nazarbayev’s visit to Italy the two sides signed agreements totally worth USD 1 billion, announced Kazakh Economy Minister Bakhyt Sultanov who was part of the Kazakh delegation, reported the Official website government.kz.

“The visit started with a meaningful business forum. We unveiled investment opportunities available in Kazakhstan. Italian companies are interested in cooperating with Kazakh businesses. The forum was attended by reps of 150 Italian companies and those of 50 Kazakh companies. Bilateral agreements signed at the forum total USD 1 billion”, B. Sultanov said.

According to him, as of the end of 2008 Italy ranked 3rd after Russia and China in terms of trade turnover with Kazakhstan. The 2008 indicator stood at KZT 14 billion. “Kazakh exports of energy resources and metals account for KZT 12 billion. However, there are all preconditions in place to facilitate trade ties between the two nations and Italian businesses are interested in expanding them”, said the Minister.