KIEV, Oct. 9 – Ukraine is ready to step up cooperation with Italian business, particularly in the energy and metals sectors, President Viktor Yushchenko said during a meeting with the heads of the businessmen and entrepreneurs associations, leading bankers and businessmen in Italy.

Yushchenko called on them to actively invest in projects linked with the hosting of the finals of the European Football Championship 2012, in particular, in construction and upgrade of transport, sports, cultural and tourist infrastructure.