MILAN, March 20. /TASS/. Russia’s Republic of Crimea presented its investment potential at a conference entitled "Russian and Crimea: Possibilities for Italian Businesses" held in Milan on Friday.

"This conference is a good opportunity for direct dialogue with potential investors and we are ready to support their proposals," Elena Abramova, Russia’s Deputy Minister for Crimea’s Affairs.

Matteo Salvini, a member of the European Parliament and the leader of Italy’s Lega Nord political party, who attended the conference’s opening ceremony, said he did not rule out signing twinning agreements with Crimea. "The year 2015 must be a year of dialogue, not sanctions, terrorist attacks and confrontation. I hope we will be useful in the areas of farming, tourism, preservation of cultural heritage," he said.

The conference organized by the Lombardy-Russia Association drew businessmen from other Italian regions as well.

Crimea’s Minister of Economic Development Nikolai Koryazhkin noted big potential of cooperation with Italy in such areas as agriculture, where Italy can share its experience in viticulture, fruit growing and processing of agricultural produce. He also said his republic had a rich resource base and vast tourism and recreation potential. "Despite sanctions, Crimea is developing sustainably," he stressed.

According to Koryazhkin, Crimea’s investment proposal portfolio has reached about €1 billion.