Rome, (SANA) – Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Abdullah al-Dardari affirmed on Wednesday that Syria is a land of safety and real investment, calling on Italian businessmen and industrialists to increase their investments and projects in Syria.

Al-Dardari gave a detailed presentation at the Syrian-Italian Businessmen Assembly on the state of Syrian economy, investment opportunities, the steps taken by the Syrian government to develop economy, and the increase in investments and Syrian exports, underlining the increasing trade exchange between Syria and Italy.

Other participants in the Assembly included Director General of the Syrian Investment Department Dr. Ahmad Abdul Aziz, who gave a briefing on his Department's work, and Director of the Industrial City in Hassia Khaledd Ezzuddin, who gave a presentation on the Industrial city near Homs.

Earlier, al-Dardari discussed means for bolstering economic and commercial relations between Syria and Italy with Italian Minister of Productive Activities Claudio Scajola, underlining the significant economic reforms in Syria that aim to create a social economy that achieves social justice.

He also affirmed the Syrian government's support of Italian companies working in Syria.

The two sides agreed to sign an agreement on developing exports, encouraging investment, limiting unemployment, providing maintenance support and establishing a technological support center for the industrial and energy sectors in Syria, in addition to cooperation in training and rehabilitation.

Al-Dardari also met with Italy's Deputy Minister of Productive Activities Adolfo Urso, Director of the Italian Institute for Foreign Trade Massimo Mamberti, businessmen and representatives of various Italian companies, discussing with them fields and opportunities for increasing Italian investments in Syria.

Al-Dardari later held a joint press conference with Mamberti, with both sides affirming the strength of political and economic relations between the two countries.

The Deputy Prime Minister also met with Executive Director of the World Food Program (WFP) Josette Sheeran and discussed with her cooperation between Syria and the Program in light of the current global food crisis.

For her part, Sheeran expressed the WFP's interest in expanding cooperation with Syria, praising the Syrian government's steps in that regard, particularly through the 10th five-year plan.

H. Sabbagh / Ahmad Fathi ZAHRA