Chongqing boosts Sino-Italian relations

Representatives from Italian and Chinese companies share opinions on Sino-Italian cooperation at the round-table conference. [Photo/liangjiang.gov.cn]

The first Week of the Italian Mechanical Engineering Roadshow in Chongqing, or WIMEC, was held on Nov 9 – in the Liangjiang New Area, in Southwest China's Chongqing municipality – which would further expand cooperation in trade, investment and technology between China and Italy.

A total of 15 Italian companies and 18 Chinese companies were invited to the activity. Gianluca Luisi, director of China-Italy Chamber of Commerce (CICC), gave a briefing on the business activities and areas of interest for the CICC's member companies in China.

At a round-table conference on the sustainable industry and innovation in China and Italy, which was a major part of WIMEC, guests shared their views on investment, cooperation and the future development of Italian companies in Liangjiang.

At the conference, Li Guang, vice-president of Liangjiang Development & Investment Group, spoke highly of the new area's business environment and investment advantages.

He analyzed the opportunities for Italian companies in the automobile industry and in the digital economy – as well as in the areas of electronics information, high-end equipment, industrial design and collaboration between businesses, universities and research institutes.

In 2018, a Sino-Italy investment promotions center was established in the new area, which the Consul General of Italy in Chongqing and the CICC officially opened. Officials said WIMEC will further promote Liangjiang's business relations with Italy in automobiles, engineering plants and equipment manufacturing.

To date, Liangjiang has seen 15 Italian companies -- including SAIC Fiat Hongyan Powertrain Co and SAIC Iveco Hongyan Commercial Vehicle Co -- invest 9.4 billion yuan ($1.42 billion) in projects in the area.