(ANSA) - COSENZA, OCT. 11 - ''Businesses, Associations of Regions, Regions, Prefectures, Provinces, Universities and Municipalities of Cosenza and Perugia have participated for three days in Perugia in a series of meetings and roundtables following the agreement signed last May, an agreement led and monitored by Klaus Algieri and Giorgio Mencaroni, presidents of Chambers of Commerce of Cosenza and Perugia, respectively'', a press release issued by the Cosenza Chamber of Commerce reported.

''A dialogue inolving institutional, economic and cultural stakeholders, under the direction of the Cosenza and Perugia Chamber of Commerce - continues the press release - which creates cooperation and opportunities for economic and cultural growth''. The event ''Calabrian Lands of the Province of Cosenza'' marked an important milestone for infrastructure development, enhancement of territories and their excellence, also by stimulating trade agreements. St. Francis of Assisi (Umbria) and St. Francis of Paola (Calabria) can be a symbol of this twinning. Two heros of Christianity and culture who were the focus of a symposium during the event in Perugia.

''Round tables, seminars and focus - the press release reported - enriched this 3-day programme, and local food and wine tastings created new opportunities for business growth. Among the topics tackled by the experts, the need to invest in communication and tourism, and common grounds between the two territories. Representatives of the two regions discussed the possibility of establishing a new route linking Lamezia and Perugia airports.

Meanwhile, in December the Perugia event will be replicated in Cosenza, and will be attended by a delegation of the Chamber of Commerce led by President Giorgio Mencaroni. The agreement with the Chamber of Commerce of Perugia follows another deal which was signed with the Trento Chamber of commerce last year. In view of this event, the Cosenza Chamber of Commerce will, in a few weeks, participate in another series of institutional meeetings organised by Trento Chamber of Commerce. ''Bringing our value, our businesses, our culture and our ancient knowledge - said President Klaus Algieri - represents a decisive moment in the collaboration with the Perugia Chamber of Commerce. Our Chamber of Commerce intends to build stable relations between the economic, political, institutional and cultural stakeholders of the two territories. We felt at home, and that's why I thank President Mencaroni for implementing something special and important - Algieri added -, that is able to unite the province of Perugia and Cosenza: the link between St. Francis of Assisi and St. Francis of Paola is a spiritual and cultural thread which is good to follow and promote, not only for the creation of paths related to religious tourism. (ANSA).