Chongqing - The opening ceremony of the Italian Pavilion at the Smart China Expo 2023 was held Monday at the International Conference and Exhibition Center in Chongqing and featured 11 of Italy's most representative businesses actively operating in China.

On September 4, the opening ceremony of the Italian Pavilion at the Smart China Expo 2023 was held at the International Conference and Exhibition Center in Chongqing. (Photo/Consulate General of Italy in Chongqing)

Fabio Schina, the Consul General of Italy in Chongqing, attended the event and expressed his satisfaction with Italy's participation in this important trade fair. "The Smart China Expo undoubtedly constitutes a significant platform for Italian-Chinese cooperation in the fields of innovation and high-tech, not only in southwest China but on a national level as well."

Fabio Schina said, "This year marks our fifth participation in this event, underlining its significance for us. Our pavilion is the second-largest among the foreign country pavilions, right after Singapore, covering 250 square meters."

Fabio Schina, Consul General of Italy in Chongqing. (Photo/Yue Xingchen)

In essence, this Italian pavilion is a joint effort of the consulate and the Chamber of Commerce in China, aimed at showcasing the technological strength and the keen interest of Italian companies in the Chinese market.

"The Smart China Expo represents a precious opportunity to give maximum visibility to our companies already active in southwest China or interested in exploring the opportunities offered by this dynamic region," said Paolo Bazzoni, President of the China-Italy Chamber of Commerce (CICC), highlighting the CICC's commitment to driving Italian investments in the Southwest.

Several representatives of local authorities also participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremony, expressing their appreciation for Sino-Italian relations in the fields of science and technological innovation.

The prospects for future collaboration between Italy and China, particularly in Chongqing and the Southwest region, are very promising, according to Fabio Schina.

Chongqing holds significant importance in China's industrial sector, and Italy, the second-largest industrial country in Europe, is a natural partner.

Italy has a robust industrial base and is known for its technological prowess. After the COVID pandemic's effects, Italian companies have actively worked towards innovation and technology investments. This makes Italian companies excellent partners for the Chinese industrial system, offering a drive for innovation and technology.

"The Smart China Expo provides an excellent platform for fostering such collaborations. It's my first time attending this event and my first time in China; I arrived just nine days ago. So far, I have had a positive experience. People here are friendly, and local authorities are eager to cooperate. I believe this sets a positive and effective tone for future collaborations," said Fabio Schina.