Italy greatly values its economic cooperation with China and hopes more Chinese enterprises will invest in the country, minister for the implementation of government planning Giulio Santagata said Wednesday night.

Santagata made the remarks at a dinner for members of the Association of Chinese Enterprises in Italy (ACEI).

He praised the Chinese firms for contributing to promoting local economic progress, saying it is important Chinese enterprises in Italy have more exchanges among themselves.

Italy is one of the several European countries that still maintains its manufacturing traditions, Santagata said. He said he hopes China and Italy could expand mutual investment and work together in further exploring the market through setting up joint ventures.

The ACEI, established in July 2006, groups together 23 Chinese enterprises including Bank of China, Air China, and other key maritime, electronic, machinery, steel and motor firms.