We will work to strengthen and develop the trade and economic relations between Bulgaria and Italy. This was what Bulgarian Minister of Economy Emil Karanikolov said at a meeting with Italian Ambassador to Bulgaria Stefano Baldi. Minister Karanikolov pointed out that Italy was traditionally one of Bulgaria’s strategic and highly valued partners. The Minister of Economy believes that possible participation of Italian enterprises in infrastructure projects in this country would contribute to developing trade and economic relations with Italy. According to Ambassador Baldi, Italian entrepreneurs have a strong presence in Bulgaria, with more than 6,000 Italian companies or joint ventures operating in the country , providing some 50,000 jobs.