Havana, Oct 29 (Prensa Latina) Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, urged businessmen from his country to invest in Cuba, in a bilateral economic forum held at Havana''s Hotel Nacional.

Renzi urged them to identify potential business on the island in the tourism, real estate sectors and everything that can contribute to strengthen ties between the two nations, he said.

He recalled his meeting in May with President Raul Castro, when he visited that country and met with Pope Francis in Vatican.

The Italian leader showed interest in Cuban culture, which is a key element in relations and cooperation, and referred to his country's cooperation in the cultural field in Old Havana.

According to Renzi, Cuba can reduce their food imports with increased agricultural production and, in this regard, he said that Italy offers the opportunity to establish concrete business.

He also said that the 2 countries can develop joint projects in renewable energy, now even more, when the island is preparing to achieve by 2030 a 24 percent of its energy matrix from renewable sources.

On the other hand, the Italian Deputy Minister for Economic Development, Carlos Calenda, informed that 120 companies from their country will participate in the 33rd Havana International Fair, FIHAV 2015, which shows the strong interest in deepening bilateral business links.

According to the official, as part of this trade mission, cooperation agreements will be signed, including several related to the restoration of Old Havana and the agricultural sector.

Previously, the Cuban Minister of Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment, Rodrigo Malmierca, said that the 2 countries have a deep interest in strengthening economic and trade ties.

He noted that this business meeting will contribute also to the opportunities offered by Law No. 118 of Foreign Investment, the Special Development Zone of Mariel and the new business portfolio to be presented at FIHAV 2015.

Italy is among Cuba's top 10 trading partners and is the 2nd in Europe, he said.

Malmierca said that even when the United States lifts the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed to Cuba, this country will maintain different ties with many countries, including Italy.