More than 80 leading companies will represent Italy at the 63rd edition of the International Fair Plovdiv on September 24-29, Fabrizio Camastra, Director of the Sofia office of the Institute for Foreign Trade (ICE), told a news conference at BTA on Tuesday.

The Italian pavilion on an area of 840 square meters will feature companies engaged in mechanical engineering, construction, energy, electronics and the chemical industry.

ICE is organizing a traditional Italy Day on September 25. A seminar for Bulgarian and Italian companies will look at financing for investment, training and development of small and medium-sized enterprises. It will use case studies and experiences in technical assistance in the absorption of structural funds.

The Italian Ministry of Economic Development will also share the country's experience in models and strategies for public-private partnership (PPP) and their possible implementation in the South Central Planning Region. An international exposition highlighting aluminum production will open. A cocktail party with tasting of typical Italian cuisine will round up the day's activities.

A seminar on PPP in port design, construction and management is scheduled for September 26.

National Statistical Institute data about trade with Italy were presented at the news conference. First-half import from Italy increased 8.7 per cent from a year earlier. Bulgarian export to Italy total led 679.1 million euro, up 9.9 per cent from the first half of 2006. Italy ranks third among Bulgarian markets after Turkey and Germany.

Two-way trade stood at 1,579,700,000 euro in June.