A promotional event for the 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE) was held in Milan, Italy, on March 24, attracting representatives from nearly 40 Italian organizations and companies.

A promotional event for the 8th CIIE is held in Milan on March 24. [Photo/CIIE Bureau]

Among them, representatives from eight major Italian industry associations, including the Italian Association of Foreign Trade (AICE), the Italian General Confederation of Enterprises (Confcommercio), the Italian Confederation of Private Small and Medium-sized Industries (CONFAPI), Federmacchine, and Federorafi, discussed how the CIIE could help small and medium-sized Italian enterprises (SMEs) expand into international markets. These associations also expressed their commitment to promoting the expo among their member companies.

Ning Feng, president of the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), the CIIE venue, highlighted Italy's strong presence at past expos, particularly in industrial design, machinery manufacturing, fashion, food, home living, and green solutions. He also noted that Italian fashion and luxury brands have become regular participants at the expo.

As 2025 marks the 55th anniversary of China-Italy diplomatic relations, Ning expressed the hope that an increasing number of high-quality Italian businesses will take advantage of the CIIE to engage with the Chinese market and seek new partnerships.

Representatives share their insights during the event. [Photo/CIIE Bureau]

Wang Hong, secretary-general of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Italy, emphasized the chamber's ongoing efforts in supporting Italian businesses at the CIIE. He said that over the years, the chamber has facilitated the participation of over 40 Italian firms and showcased nearly 100 authentic Made-in-Italy products at the expo. Looking ahead, the chamber aims to enhance its engagement with exhibitors by gaining deeper insights into their needs, offering more robust support for their market expansion in China, Wang added.

Marco Bettin, director general of the Italy China Council Foundation (ICCF), recognized the CIIE's role in helping Italian SMEs enter the Chinese market. He said that ICCF has organized Italian participation for seven consecutive years and will continue strengthening collaboration with the expo.

At the event, multiple Italian companies reaffirmed their commitment to participating in the CIIE, recognizing the Chinese market as crucial to their business growth. Five institutions and companies, including the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Italy, ICCF, the Italy-China Business Development Forum, Manzoni Gioielli, and RIE di Daniele Chiappa, signed memorandums of cooperation with the CIIE Bureau to enhance future cooperation.

During their stay in Milan, the CIIE working team visited local fashion and jewelry brands, including Manzoni Gioielli and Scalo Milano, to encourage their participation in the 8th CIIE. In addition, the working team discussed with Fiera Milano, Milan's leading exhibition center, to explore deeper collaboration with the NECC (Shanghai).

A signing ceremony is held during the event. [Photo/CIIE Bureau]

The CIIE working team visits local fashion and jewelry brands. [Photo/CIIE Bureau]

Additionally, the working team traveled to Palermo, the capital of Sicily, on March 25 to meet with Confesercenti, the Italian SME association. They reviewed the participation of Sicilian businesses in the previous CIIE and introduced this year's expo to nearly 20 local organizations and companies, inviting Sicily's food and agriculture businesses to join.

The working team visits Palermo. [Photo/CIIE Bureau]

Roberto Lagalla, mayor of Palermo, expressed strong support for Sicilian businesses participating in the CIIE, emphasizing the long-standing friendly exchanges between China and Palermo. He encouraged local farmers to bring high-quality Sicilian products to China.

Sicily, Italy's largest region, boasts a rich agricultural and food industry, with products such as olives, lemons, grapes, pistachios, and citrus fruits holding strong export potential. This visit is expected to facilitate the participation of Sicilian specialty products at the 8th CIIE and mark a new step in cooperation between the expo and local Italian governments.

 

By Zhao Guangmei