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The recent trip of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to China marked an important chapter in the bilateral relations between the two countries.
During her four-day visit between Beijing and Shanghai, a broad action plan was signed that opens a new phase of the bilateral partnership. The agreement, signed in the majestic Great Hall of the People, is part of the 2004 Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and provides mechanisms to strengthen and relaunch cooperation in multiple sectors of mutual interest, including trade, investment, intellectual property protection, agriculture, research, environment, culture and tourism.
Renewable Energy
One of the main areas of the agreement concerns the electric car and renewable energy industry. This sector has been included in the Memorandum of Industrial Cooperation between the Ministry of Enterprise and Made in Italy (MIMIT) and the Ministry of Industry of the People’s Republic of China. The agreement aims to strengthen industrial cooperation through exchanges of visits, sharing of information on respective policies, regulations and technical standards, organization of joint conferences and mutual support to companies. This memorandum represents a significant opportunity for Italian companies to expand their presence in the Chinese clean energy market, a rapidly growing sector of crucial importance for the global energy future.
Food Safety
Another crucial aspect of the agreement concerns food safety. An action plan has been signed between the Italian Ministry of Health and the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) of China. This agreement provides for the exchange of information and experiences to improve the safety of food chains. Collaboration in this area is essential to ensure that food products meet high standards of quality and safety, thus protecting consumers and promoting mutual trust in the food products of the two countries. The protection of geographical indications (GIG) of agricultural and food products is another central point of the agreement. A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed between the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forestry Policies (MASAF) and the Chinese National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA). This protocol will promote dialogue and exchange of information between the two administrations, promoting the protection of IGG and combating counterfeiting. The protection of IGG is essential to safeguard Italian food excellence and ensure that Chinese consumers can appreciate authentic Italian products, thus helping to strengthen the image of Made in Italy.
Education and Training
The agreement also includes an Executive Program of Cooperation in the field of Education for the period 2024-2027. This program, signed between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) and the Chinese Ministry of Education, aims to promote training and the expansion of academic mobility. Collaboration in the field of education is crucial to promote cultural and academic exchanges, allowing Italian and Chinese students to acquire new skills and better understand each other’s cultures.
Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development
Another important area of cooperation concerns environmental protection and sustainable development. The Memorandum for Collaboration on Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development, signed between the Ministry of Environment and Energy Security (MASE) and the Ministry of Ecology and Environment of China, aims to strengthen cooperation in the fields of climate change, biodiversity protection, pollution and training. This agreement represents a joint commitment to promoting sustainable practices and combating global environmental challenges, while strengthening dialogue and training activities between the two countries. The agreement signed during Premier Meloni’s visit to China represents a significant step forward in bilateral relations between Italy and China. This action plan not only strengthens existing cooperation in various sectors, but also opens up new opportunities for collaboration. China is one of Italy’s main trading partners and the signing of these agreements demonstrates the desire of both countries to intensify their economic, cultural and scientific ties.
The meeting between Giorgia Meloni and the Secretary of the Shanghai Municipal Committee of the Communist Party of China, Chen Jining, highlighted the importance of Shanghai as an economic hub for Italian companies. With around 1,200 Italian companies present in Shanghai, the city represents a crucial channel for trade between the two countries. Meloni expressed the hope that local authorities can support Italian companies already present and encourage further investments, thus contributing to the development of even closer economic relations.
Support for Italian Companies in China
Premier Meloni stressed the importance of supporting Italian companies operating in China, especially those present in Shanghai, a city twinned with Milan since 1979. This twinning reflects the long history of cooperation between the two cities and represents a cultural and economic bridge between Italy and China. The local authorities of Shanghai reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Italian companies, recognizing the significant contribution they have made to the development of the city.
Opportunities in the Tourism Sector
Tourism represents another key sector in the new agreement between Italy and China. Italy, with its unique cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes and renowned cuisine, is one of the most popular destinations for Chinese tourists. At the same time, China offers a wide range of cultural and natural experiences that are attracting more and more Italian visitors. The agreement includes joint initiatives to promote mutual tourism, facilitate visas and improve tourism infrastructure, making travel between the two countries easier. Cultural events, exhibitions and tourism fairs are planned to promote destinations and increase tourism exchanges.
Cultural Collaboration and Artistic Exchanges
Culture is a fundamental bridge for mutual understanding and respect between nations. The new agreement includes an intensification of cultural exchanges between Italy and China. Museum exchange programs, contemporary art exhibitions, tours of theatre companies and symphony orchestras are just some of the initiatives planned to bring citizens of the two countries closer together. These cultural exchanges will not only enrich each other’s cultures but will also help strengthen people-to-people ties, promoting intercultural dialogue based on mutual understanding and respect.
The Challenge of Organized Crime
Another critical aspect of the agreement concerns the fight against organized crime. Cooperation between Italy and China in this area is essential to ensure the safety of citizens and businesses. The agreement provides for the sharing of information, the organization of joint operations and the training of specialized personnel. Fighting organized crime is essential to create a safe and reliable business environment, thus promoting investment and economic development.
Technology and Innovation
In the field of technology and innovation, the agreement between Italy and China offers significant opportunities for collaboration. China is a world leader in various technological sectors, such as artificial intelligence, 5G and digital innovation, while Italy boasts excellence in sectors such as robotics, industrial automation and biotechnology. Cooperation between the two countries in these areas can lead to innovative technological developments, facilitate the transfer of knowledge and create new business opportunities. Joint research projects, exchanges of specialized personnel and partnerships between universities and research centres are some of the ways envisaged to promote innovation.
E-commerce and Digitalization
Another area of great interest is that of e-commerce and digitalization. With the expansion of the global digital market, cooperation between Italy and China in this sector can open new markets for companies from both countries. The agreement includes initiatives to facilitate cross-border e-commerce, improve logistics and the security of online transactions. The digitalization of services and infrastructure is seen as a key factor in increasing the efficiency and competitiveness of businesses, while creating new opportunities for employment and economic development.
Agriculture and Sustainability
Sustainable agriculture is another priority area in the agreement between Italy and China. Both countries recognize the importance of sustainable agricultural practices to ensure food security and protect the environment. The agreement provides for the exchange of innovative agricultural technologies, the promotion of sustainable agricultural practices and cooperation in agronomic research. The aim is to improve agricultural productivity, reduce environmental impact and ensure that natural resources are used efficiently and sustainably. A crucial aspect of the new agreement is the creation of effective mechanisms for the implementation and monitoring of the various initiatives. Joint committees are foreseen that will oversee the progress of the projects, ensure that the objectives are achieved and address any problems or obstacles. These committees will be responsible for facilitating communication between the various institutions involved, ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently and promoting continuous and productive collaboration.
Involvement of the Private Sector
The success of the agreement will largely depend on the active involvement of the private sector. Italian and Chinese companies are invited to actively participate in the various projects, contributing their expertise, resources and innovations. The Italian government, in collaboration with the Chinese authorities, is committed to creating a favourable environment for investment, reducing bureaucracy and providing incentives for companies that choose to operate in the strategic sectors identified in the agreement. The signing of the industrial agreement between Italy and China represents a historic moment for relations between the two countries. This agreement not only strengthens cooperation in key areas such as industry, food safety, environmental protection and technology, but also opens up new prospects for sustainable development and innovation. Premier Giorgia Meloni’s visit to China marked the beginning of a new era of strategic partnership, based on shared values and common goals.
The importance of this agreement goes beyond bilateral relations, representing an example of how international cooperation can address global challenges such as climate change, food safety and sustainable development. The collaboration between Italy and China can serve as a model for other nations, demonstrating that, through dialogue and cooperation, it is possible to build a better future for all. The agreement signed in Beijing is a significant step towards greater integration and collaboration between Italy and China. With a strong commitment from both governments and an active involvement of the private sector, the prospects for the coming years are extremely promising. Italy and China, two ancient civilizations with a long history of cooperation, are now ready to write a new chapter of progress and shared prosperity together.
The visit of Premier Giorgia Meloni to China and the signing of the industrial agreement represent an important turning point in the relations between Italy and China. The agreements signed cover a wide range of sectors, highlighting the willingness of both countries to strengthen their collaboration and explore new opportunities for cooperation. This partnership will not only foster economic and trade development but will also help promote mutual understanding and strengthen cultural and scientific ties between the two countries. With the support of local authorities and a strong commitment to cooperation, Italy and China are ready to build a future of shared prosperity in an increasingly complex socio-economic landscape and with industrial challenges to be faced with the greatest possible preparation.
The recognized excellences of both countries must be highlighted as never before, through valid and decisive cooperation policies, which highlight all the potentialities, even those hitherto unexpressed. The significant presence of Italian companies in Chinese territory and vice versa will represent the key to new relations between the two industrial powers.
Alessandro Fiorentino