URSO TO LEAD TRADE DELEGATION TO CUBA

URSO TO LEAD TRADE DELEGATION TO CUBA

(ANSA) - Rome, October 30 - Italian Junior Economy Minister Adolfo Urso will lead a delegation of representatives from 60 Italian firms as well as sector organisations on a visit to Cuba next week, a ministry statement said on Friday.

The delegation will be in Havana to take part in the inauguration of the Italian pavilion at the Cuba International Trade Fair.

While in Cuba, Urso, who holds the portfolio for foreign trade, will meet with members of the Italian business community there as well as Cuban government officials responsible for the economy and trade.

The value of trade between Italy and Cuba last year amounted to 344.6 million euros with Italy enjoying a surplus of 245.6 million euros, up 18% from the previous year.

Italy's exports to Cuba last year totalled 295.1 million euros, a jump of 31% over 2007, while imports were valued at 49.5 million euros, a 159% leap over the previous year.