Prior to his visit to Izmır, Turkey 3rd largest city, Marsili said: “ There is no question about the growing relevance of Izmir and the Aegean region and this is true for Italian interests in this area as well.”

Marsili pointed out that from 2005 to 2006, bilateral trade between Italy and the Aegean region increased by 30 percent to $3.1 billion. “As far as investments are concerned, the Aegean region is a particularly appealing and “investor friendly” area. Our companies are aware of the excellent conditions and business opportunities created by the local authorities' wise policies, the “European standard” skills of the labor force, the quantity and quality of infrastructures, the dynamism of Aegean businessmen,” he said.

There were 50 Italian companies in the Aegean region Marsili said, and 39 of them are located in the İzmir area. “The most recent relevant Italian investment in the region was made in Manisa by Bitron, a company that produces electronic spare parts for the automotive sector,” he said.

Italian Ambassador Marsili