Astana. October 8. Kazakhstan Today - Kazakhstan is interested in investing in the economy of Italy. The President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev stated today during the meeting with the Prime Minister of Italy Romano Prodi. "Kazakhstan, having entered the stage of economic growth, is ready to invest in the economy of Italy," N. Nazarbayev said. "Today's state of affairs demonstrates that we are partners in all directions, and Kazakhstan is absolutely ready to develop these relations," he emphasized. N. Nazarbayev noted that Italy is "the priority state for Kazakhstan in Europe." "Today Italy - the leading economic partner of Kazakhstan also causes satisfaction that growth of mutual trade grew by 70 % by the results of last year and made $8.5 billion," the President said. "Total sum of investments of Italy in Kazakhstan reached $1 billion," he added.