OREANDA-NEWS. February 22, 2011. Heads of more than 10 Italian companies (Micro Leasing, Marcantonini S.R.L., Bianchi Casseforme S.R.L., others) and civil organizations have arrived in Gomel to get familiar with the economic potential of the region. Businessmen and representatives of the Chamber of Commerce Italy-Belarus have already discussed investment and innovation cooperation in the Gomel-Raton Free Economic Zone (FEZ).

According to head of FEZ administration Antonina Yezhova, Italy has not invested in the free economic zone yet. The Italian businessmen, however, have already expressed their interest in cooperation. For example, President of the Chamber of Commerce Italy-Belarus Claudio Catania stated he would inform his partners on a big investment potential of Gomel Oblast as well as favorable working conditions for FEZ resident companies.

On 19 February Italian businessmen will look into Gomel-Raton investment projects. One of them is the production of diapers and different types of medical equipment. “We find this project important as such products are in a high demand on the Belarusian market,” Antonina Yezhova said.

The official opening ceremony of the forum will take place on 19 February. The Palace of Rumyantsevs-Paskeviches will host a presentation of the Belarusian Italian Youth Center set up for the implementation of joint social, educational and cultural projects. The presentation of the center will highlight the Palace Fiesta 2011 benefit event which is to be attended by representatives of different Italian and Gomel Oblast sectors.

The program of the forum also envisages a Belarusian-Italian exhibition of modern art, tasting of the Belarusian and Italian cuisines, a concert of Belarusian and Italian artists.