Italian Congresswoman: Closer Collaboration with China Needed

The 6th China International Import Expo (CIIE) concluded weeks ago has once again demonstrated China’s firm commitment to high-level opening up while effectively boosting the recovery of international economic and trade exchanges and cooperation. As an old guest to the CIIE for six years in a row, Italy this year presented an exhibition themed “The Future is an Idea – Made in Italy”, featuring iconic Italian craftmanship in nine industrial sectors. In addition, over 70 Italian enterprises distributed in various venues have showcased high-quality Italian products and innovative concepts in such realms as industrial design, machinery manufacturing, fashion and food, home life, and environment protection.

Erica Mazzetti, member of the chamber of deputies of Italian parliament, said in an interview that Italy’s active participation in the CIIE attests to its strong desire for expanding the China market, “Italy and China can travel a long journey together, and Italian enterprises are the powerful driving force to this goal.

Italy has always attached great importance to the Chinese market and has repeatedly served as a guest of honor at important international exhibitions such as the CIIE and the China International Consumer Products Expo. Many Italian products with exquisite craftsmanship and novel design have since become known to Chinese consumers. According to Mazzetti, the success of these expos reflects the strength of China as a world-class market. Italian companies, on the other hand, have seized the opportunities with their outstanding talent, intuition and creativity. Noting the popularity of Italian products at the CIIE, Mazzetti expects the expo and other platforms to trigger new business opportunities for Italian companies, so more “Made in Italy” products can enter the Chinese market following the increasing demand of Chinese consumers.

China and Italy are important trading partners maintaining a strong momentum in economic and trade exchanges for a long time. Over the past five years, China-Italy trade volume has grown from $50 billion to nearly $80 billion, Italy’s exports to China increased by about 30%, and the two boast a broad space for cooperation in high-end manufacturing, clean energy, aerospace and aviation, winter sports, and third-party markets. Having a keen interest in infrastructure, energy, public projects and international tenders, Mazeetti remains optimistic about the prospect of Italy-China economic and trade cooperation, noting the remarkable achievement in 2022 when Italy’s investment in China amounted to 15 billion euros, and its exports to China exceeded 16 billion euros. On the other hand, China is increasingly becoming a benchmark in high-end precision manufacturing and a leader in renewable energy, and it is hoped that Italy and China can further strengthen cooperation in green development that centers on people, environment and biodiversity.

As two time-honored civilizations, China and Italy have a long history of friendly, fruitful exchanges involving the governments and private sectors. 2024 marks the 20th anniversary of the Sino-Italian Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and the 700th anniversary of the demise of Marco Polo, both of which represent important opportunities for the two countries to consolidate their relations. Mazzetti said that the relationship between Italy and China has existed for a long time and is destined to continue. As models of Eastern and Western cultures, similarities between the two countries are obvious in a wide range of areas. The two should work together to further deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in economy and trade, science and technology, culture, environmental protection and biodiversity, while engaging in candid and friendly political dialogues with a view of inheriting and carrying forward the long-standing traditions.

Taking his own city of Prato as an example, Mazzetti commended the local Chinese community for their outstanding contribution to Italy’s socio-economic development over the years. “During the recent flooding in Italy, the Chinese communities in Prato, Pistoia, and Campi Bisenzio actively engaged in rescue efforts and reached out to people around themselves, which is truly admirable.”

Mazzetti said passionately, “the incredible strides in China’s economic development over the past few decades have pulled hundreds of millions of people out of poverty. Currently, pivotal sectors like technology, resources, and energy are gaining even greater significance. China has emerged as a global powerhouse, leaving Europe trailing in the competitive arena. It’s crucial for Italy and the broader European community to make strategic decisions, and foster closer collaboration with China. By establishing transparent rules for fair competition, we can achieve common development while safeguarding our respective interests.”