(ANSA) - SKOPJE - Macedonian high-quality and world famous marble can become more competitive in foreign markets by use of adequate modern marble processing technology. To this purpose, representatives of 28 companies, concessionaries of marble attended in Skopje the presentation of Italian technology for the extraction and processing of natural stone, 'Italian Stone Experience in Skopje'. The event, which will be also hosted in Prilep, is organized by the Ice-Italian Trade Promotion Agency office of Economic Cooperation at the Italian Embassy in Macedonia in cooperation with the Italian Association of Marble Processing Machinery Manufacturers and mineral resources department within the Ministry of Economy. ''Macedonian marble industry has large potential and by use of adequate technology Macedonian marble can be even more competitive in foreign markets,'' underlined Raimondo Lovati, from the Italian Association of Marble Processing Machinery Manufacturers, as reported by Mia press agency. ''I hope that today's event will result in quality cooperation and possible new investments in technology. Italian and Macedonian production systems are complementary since they are based on small and medium-sezied enterprises,'' said Italian Ambassador Carlo Romeo. Italy exports equipment for processing of marble in 120 countries around the world, and it's main exports partners are the Usa, China, Spain, India, Turkey. Exports equipment for stone processing from Italy reached EUR 1 billion in 2016. According to official statistics, trade exchange between Macedonia and Italy last year has improved by Italy taking the 5th place as Macedonia's trading partner. Macedonia import of technology from Italy marble sector has doubled in the last two years reaching EUR 1.1 million in 2016.

(ANSA).