Havana, July 7, (RHC), – A Cuba-Italy business forum is underway in Havana to expand bilateral commercial and economic exchange between the two countries.

The forum, organized by the Cuban and the Italian chambers of commerce, is taking place in the context of the visit here by Italian deputy Economic Development minister Carlo Calenda.

Calenda´s visit followed another one in March by Italian foreign relations and international cooperation minister Paolo Gentiloni, who met with Cuban President Raul Castro.

The forum will include presentations by companies in the fields of construction and infrastructure, tourism, transportation, the environment, renewable sources, mining, machinery and banking.

Cuban authorities will also present investment opportunities on the island and the business portfolio for foreign capital, while the Italian counterpart will explain about their interests and offers.

The Italian entrepreneurs will also tour the Special Development Zone in the Mariel Port in western Cuba.

Italy is one of Cuba´s first ten commercial partners and the second major European partner with increasing exports.