Bangalore: Trade between India and Italy is likely to be around $ 2.1 billion in the fiscal year 2001-02, a modest increase of about $ 85 million over the previous year's figure, Italian Trade Commissioner Cornelio Zani said on February 7.

Zani told reporters in Bnagalore that Indian exports to Italy in 2001-02 is likely to be between $ 1.2 billion and $ 1.3 billion, and Italian exports to India between $ 800 million and 850 million.

For 2000-01, the figures were $ 1.3 billion and $ 715 million respectively, it was noted.

Zani said the trade volumes do not reflect the strength of the economies of the two countries, adding, there is strong potential to increase the figures. India needs to market it aggressively in Italy.

He suggested that India bring down import duties to the level of one existing in the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) to make the country an attractive destination for Italian companies to invest.

Zani said Italy is pressing the Indian government to remove import restrictions imposed on a certain rough and special type of marble from Italy, which today is the fourth largest trading partner with India among the EU member countries.

PTI