MOSCOW, Oct. 24 (Xinhua) -- Russia aims to create the most comfortable conditions for foreign, including Italian, investment, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Wednesday.
"Administrative regulation is simplified and modern infrastructure is being created. Serious preferences are provided to investors in some regions," Putin said at a Moscow meeting with visiting Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte and heads of Italian companies in Russia.
He said that Russia experienced positive economic tendencies, including industrial expansion in the first nine months of the year as well as low inflation and unemployment rate. Russia's gold and foreign currency reserves also increased this year.
According to Putin, such positive ambience allows stable operation of companies and a possibility for them to have long-term plans.
"I hope that the Italian business circle will continue to benefit from the possibilities, which are opening in the Russian market," Putin said.
The president called Italy one of the most important economic partners of Russia.
According to Putin, around 500 Italian companies are working with Russian partners, implementing large joint projects in various sectors ranging from energy, transport, infrastructure and foodstuffs production to hi-tech, sports and entertainment.
He said that goods turnover between Russia and Italy rose by 21 percent in 2017 to 24 billion U.S. dollars and grew by 15 percent in January-August this year.
Putin said he expected this positive dynamics would be preserved in the future.
