(AGI) Rho (Milan), Aug 13 - Madagascar has a rapidly growingeconomy, was historically influential in its region, and has apolitical situation that has stabilised after recentinstitutional crises. This island state off the eastern coastof Africa is working determinedly to improve the livingconditions of its people, said President HeryRajaonarimampianina. It has the support of Italy, with which"we have very old relations," he said at celebrations for itsNational Day at Milan Expo 2015. The president said tourism andagriculture are among the main areas in which Italianbusinessmen can play a leading role. "Our nation hasexceptional natural wealth, and we are committed to preservingand promoting it to allow everyone to admire our extraordinarybiodiversity." Madagascar is an increasingly importantinternational tourist destination, with 10 percent of theworld's biodiversity: 91 percent of reptiles, 80 percent offlowering plants, 74 percent of mammals, and 46 percent ofbirds unique to the island. President Rajaonarimampianina saidthe country has more than eight million hectares of arableland, and the government has launched policies to "improve theproductivity and competitiveness of the sector". It has alsoincreased resources "to upgrade infrastructure, purchaseequipment to be used in agriculture, and to construct works forirrigation of the fields". He concluded: "despite its distanceMadagascar offers many opportunities: Come and visit us,discover us and invest in us." (AGI) . . .