The Italian Embassy in Nigeria says about €553 million (N99.54 billion) worth of goods and services were exported to Nigeria last year from Italy.

Speaking with newsmen , the Italian Ambassador to Nigeria , Mr. Massimo Baistrocchi said the figure represents about 3.33 per cent increase over the €535 million (N96.30 billion) trade volume in 2006.

"Precisely, while the volume of export to Nigeria in 2006 stood at €534.95 million, last year’s figure stood at €552.76 million.

"Within the same period under review, Italy’s imports from Nigeria stood at €420.89 million last year," the envoy said.

He listed the major trade items as oil, leather, agricultural products, chemicals and textile.

According to him, Nigeria ranks ninth among Italy’s major trade partners, coming after Canada, Indonesia, Japan, France Spain, Brazil and India.

Basistrochi added that the US topped the lists of its trade partners.