Italian deputy minister for international trade, Adolfo Urso, is currently visiting Tunisia in order to promote Italian investments in the North African country. During the mission, Mr Urso will meet a number of clothing and accessories producers.

According to the minister, Tunisia offers a range of opportunities including those in infrastructure and manufacturing, as well as being rich in raw materials.

There are reportedly 750 Italian companies based in Tunisia, 260 of which are clothing and textile firms.

Trade between the two nations includes machinery, leather and textiles. Italian exports to Tunisia rose 13% in 2007 to €2.9 billion, while imports from the country rose 17% to €2.5 billion.

Mr Urso said that Morocco, Libya and Algeria are also important partners for Italy.