Italian Premier Mario Monti has promised to help small-scale businesses, especially factories and farms, in the region of northern Italy struck by quake

Monti's visit to the Emilia Romagna region included a stop at a ceramics factory where two workers died after it collapsed. In all, the quake claimed seven lives.

Monti said that a Cabinet meeting later Tuesday will declare a state of emergency for the stricken area. Under consideration is suspension of tax payments while residents rebuild. Recent government measures to fight Italy's debt crisis include a new property tax. The premier expressed confidence there will be a `'rapid" rebound for the region, where he said small-scale farm and industrial production was particularly hit. Among the industries is Parmesan cheese production.