ROME, July 6 (RIA Novosti) - Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi said on Monday the Group of Eight (G8) leading industrial countries should be expanded, and reiterated his support for a move to the G14 format.

The G8 comprises Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia and the United States. Germany, Italy and France have in the past urged expansion of the G8 by including China, India, South Africa, Mexico, Egypt and Brazil.

"The G8 represents 50% of the global economy, and a wider forum is needed," Berlusconi said at a news conference after a meeting with Chinese leader Hu Jintao in Rome. "The G14 format represents more than 80% of the global economy, for this reason it should be organized and maintained."

The Italian leader has also criticized the G20 format, which brings together 19 of the world's largest national economies, plus the European Union. The latest G20 summit was held in London on April 2.

"The G20 seems too large and often ends up in an exchange of opinions between those at the [negotiating] table," he said.

On Italy's initiative, some G8 summit sessions will be held in the G14 format. The G8 summit is due to take place in Italy's L'Aquila on July 8-10.