Italian and Chinese firms signed deals worth $1.27 billion (984 million euros) on Wednesday in Rome at talks attended by Prime Minister Mario Monti and senior Chinese politburo member Jia Qinglin.

The six deals included agreements between Chinese telecoms giant Huawei and Italian Internet provider Fastweb for $557 million and between China Everbright and Chinese-owned Italy-based yacht company Ferretti for $480 million.

"These agreements show that many sectors of the Italian economy can attract foreign investors, raising the growth potential of the country and expanding its international exchanges," Monti was quoted as saying in a statement.

Monti has sought to raise Italy's status among international investors.

After a visit to Qatar earlier this month, Italy and Qatar set up a two-billion-euro joint venture for making investments in Italy.

The two countries are set to sign another deal soon for a one-billion-euro fund for small and medium-sized enterprises, the government said.