Pursuits
Italy Seeks Headstart in Iran With Multi-Billion Dollar Deals
- Leaders sign accords on rail, infrastructure after Rome talks
- Eni's Descalzi, Fiat's Marchionne meeting Rouhani at dinner
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Italy reached business deals worth about 20 billion euros ($22 billion) with Iran as Prime Minister Matteo Renzi seeks to give his country a headstart in the race for newly-opening markets in the Islamic Republic.
The accords, covering industries from natural gas to high-speed rail, were signed at a ceremony in Rome after talks between Renzi and visiting Iranian President Hassan Rouhani. Both leaders said the deals are just the beginning of cooperation between the countries. Prominent Italian executives including Eni SpA’s Claudio Descalzi and Fiat Chrysler Chief Executive Officer Sergio Marchionne were due to attend a dinner with Rouhani later on Monday.