The representatives of Hanoi and Italy’s Lazio region signed an agreement on May 24, aiming to promote cooperation between the two sides in economics and among their small and medium-sized enterprises.

The agreement was signed between the Lazio Regional Council’s representative and Ngo Thi Doan Thanh, Chairwoman of Hanoi Municipal People’s Council, during a working visit of the Hanoi municipal People’s Council delegation to Italy from May 24-30.

On the occasion, the two sides discussed the potentials for cooperation in economics, culture, tourism, education and sustainable preservation of historic sites.

Thanh invited Lazio-based businesses to invest in Hanoi, adding that Hanoi authorities pledge to create favourable conditions such as investment incentives, land and administrative procedures for Italian enterprises in general and Lazio region’s businesses in particular.

According to Thanh, there are presently 11 Italian-invested projects in Hanoi, with a total investment of 23 million USD, ranking 21 st among foreign investors in the city. She said this is not commensurate with the potential of both sides.

The President of Lazio Regional Council, Daniele Leodori, stressed that the delegation’s visit marked a good start for Hanoi-Lazio relations in the coming time, and expressed the willingness to support and cooperate with Hanoi in areas which are the region’s strengths.

Within the framework of the working visit, the delegation of Hanoi Municipal People’s Council will have working sessions with the authorities of Bologna city, Emilia-Romagna region and Venice city, with the aim of promoting bilateral cooperation between Hanoi and these localities.-VNA