The opening of the energy sector in Mexico has generated the interest of the main companies in that sector in Italy.

This was acknowledged by Italian Prime Minister Enrico Letta, during his official visit to the country, after signing agreements to boost bilateral relations.

"The opening of the energy field is, without a doubt, one of the most important sectors of interest", said Letta after affirming that both countries had 24 years of delay in cooperation.

To this end, representatives of leading European companies in the field, such as TEGMA, which yesterday signed an agreement with the Mexican government to invest in diesel production, arrived at the National Palace.

As well as directors of the company Enel Green Power, which in recent days announced a financing from BBVA to invest 150 million dollars in the country in the area of renewable energy.

Also present was Paolo Scaroni, director of Ente Nazionale Idrocarburi, Italy's most important oil, natural gas and petrochemical company, which changed from a public company to a public limited company, although the Government retains 30 percent of the shares.

Mexico's Electricity Research Institute and Italy's ENEL, Europe's leading electric energy company, signed a technological cooperation agreement in the areas of smart grids and geothermal energy.

Letto said that in addition to the energy sector, the Italians are interested in telecommunications, infrastructure and security.

Agreements were also signed on air transportation, culture and cooperation for the delivery of credits to companies, without the Presidency or the Foreign Ministry explaining what they consist of.

The Mexican President affirmed that the commercial relationship can grow, since it barely reaches 6 billion dollars, although Italy is the third largest commercial partner in Europe.

"Today it is recognized that Mexico has a potential for growth and development in the coming years and that gives space for the relationship between both nations to grow even closer," he said.

Both Presidents also swore in the Businessmen's Council, in which companies from both countries participate. On the Mexican side are Grupo Herdez, Casa Cuervo, Bicicletas Magistroni, Mexichem, Gruma and the President of the Mexican Trade Council, Valentín Díez.

The event was attended by some twenty businessmen, including Carlos Slim.

The Italian side included energy companies and Pirelli Tires.