Azerbaijani and Italian companies are considering the opportunities for making joint investments in third countries, namely Kazakhstan, Russia and Iran, President of the Azerbaijani National Confederation of Entrepreneurs Mammad Musayev told journalists on Thursday.

A meeting was held between business people of the two countries in Baku. Over 50 businesses representing the construction, tourism, furniture industry, retail and wholesale from the Azerbaijani side and a group of companies Made Spa, specialising in the construction, restoration, design, the Beghelli group, producing lighting systems, home appliances, security systems and a number of other ones attended the meeting.

“Italy is one of Azerbaijan’s main economic partners. Trade turnover between the two countries exceeded $10 billion in 2013. More than 45 companies with Italian capital are working in Azerbaijan.

“The companies which arrived in Baku are looking for the opportunities to invest and establish relations with local companies,” he said. “Italian companies are interested in construction, tourism, textile, agriculture, processing, transport, furniture and other industries.”

“The meeting is of mutual interest to Italian and local businesses,” he said.

“The Azerbaijani economy plans not only to draw investments into the country, but also to look for the opportunities to invest in other countries,” Mammadov added.