ROME (Reuters) -Singapore-based semiconductor firm Silicon Box will invest 3.2 billion euros ($3.50 billion) in a new plant in northern Italy under a government-backed deal, the country's industry ministry said on Monday. The project is part of long-standing Italian efforts to attract investment from technology companies, which have also included a never-finalised deal with U.S. firm Intel. "At full capacity, the investment will be able to generate 1,600 new direct jobs, in addition to the indirect jobs generated both for the construction of the facility and in the wider supply and logistics ecosystem involved when fully operational," the statement said.