On April 12, the China-Italy Business and Dialogue Forum was held in Verona, Italy. Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao and Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Antonio Tajani attended the opening ceremony and delivered keynote speeches. The Forum was hosted by the China-Italy Business Committee and attended by over 360 representatives including Jia Guide, Chinese Ambassador to Italy, Massimo Ambrosetti, Italian Ambassador to China, government officials of China and Italy, members of the China-Italy Business Committee, as well as representatives of Chinese and Italian companies, and chambers of commerce.

Wang Wentao said, President Xi Jinping has noted that both as countries with an ancient civilization, China and Italy are comprehensive strategic partners with broad common interests and profound cooperation foundation. As the enthusiasm of Chinese and Italian companies about attending the Forum grows, so does the scale of the event. This speaks volume about the importance they attach to each other’s market and their call for deeper cooperation. It is hoped that the business community can seize the opportunity, further tap into the potential of trade in agricultural produce, food, medicines, high-end consumer goods, and intermediate goods and make good use of cross-border e-commerce platforms to do more trade. The momentum should be maintained in cooperation on emerging sectors, including high-end manufacturing, design and R&D, green and low carbon industries. The two sides need to give further play to the China-Italy Business Committee to strengthen mutual trust between Chinese and Italy companies and advance development of bilateral trade and investment cooperation.

Wang stressed that this year marks the 20th anniversary of the China-Italy comprehensive strategic partnership. At the Joint Economic Committee (CEM) held the day before the Forum, the two sides exchanged views and reached consensus on supporting companies in participating in expos, SMEs and e-commerce cooperation. The Ministry of Commerce of China will continue to work together with its Italian counterpart to serve as a strong supporter for the cooperation and development of Chinese and Italian companies. China will continue to open up at a higher level, improve its business environment, and establish the brand of “Invest in China”. China sincerely invites Italian companies to keep investing in China, exploring the China market, and staying in China and to share the dividends of development.

Tajani thanked Minister Wang and the Chinese delegation for visiting Italy. Italy looks forward to stepping up communication and promoting trade and economic cooperation with China. The China market provides tremendous opportunities for Italian businesses. Italy will support more goods “Made in Italy” in entering China’s market and welcomes investment by Chinese companies, which will create more jobs and increase the competitiveness and vibrancy of Italy’s economy. Italy hopes to increase export of agricultural produce, food and agricultural machinery to China, expand cooperation on new energy and SMEs and add direct flights between Venice and Chinese cities.

Representatives of Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (CDP), Italian Chair of the China-Italy Business Committee, CCCME, the Italian Trade Agency (ITA), Confindustria, Secretariat of the Business Forum addressed the opening ceremony.