Italian enterprises poised ready for China's first import expo

A logo is seen on the wheel of a Pirelli tyre displayed for a news conference by ChemChina and Pirelli in Beijing, China May 8, 2018. [Photo: VCG]

The first China International Import Expo is said to be a hot topic in Italy, with exhibitors and companies making final preparations for the upcoming event. 

CRI's Huang Yue has more.

Since last year, the Italian government has shown significant interest in the first China International Import Expo. 

Announcing its participation in December, Italy was one of the first European countries to confirm its attendance.

Italy is due to focus its displays on industrial manufacturing, fashion designs and local delicacies. 

Ines Aronadio, an officer with the Italian Trade Agency, says there will be over 90 Italian companies representing "Made in Italy" at the expo.

"The fashion industry will be majorly on display, including the fashion dresses, jewelry, leatherware and so on. And the new medical technology and equipment will also be displayed to reveal the advanced technology that Italy has achieved in this field. In addition, some agricultural enterprises will also participate in the event. We have both world famous brands and hand-made products to meet Chinese consumers' demands."

Covering an area of nearly 53-hundred square meters, Italy has been assigned six exhibition areas in the expo for its trade in goods and services. 

Around 200 Italian companies have registered to attend the event, including Pirelli, one of the world's largest tyre manufacturers.

Giuliano Menassi, Pirelli's Senior Vice President for the Asia Pacific, says the company will have a 140-square meter exhibition area. 

"The China International Import Expo is a unique opportunity for any enterprise that wants to open the Chinese market. In addition to the consumer goods, we will also display our latest digital automobile tyre technology. We hope to show the millions of audience the culture of 'Made in Italy'."

Statistics show that in 2017, bilateral trade volume between China and Italy hit around 50 billion US dollars, with Italy's export volume to China growing by over 22-percent year on year.

Li Bin, Minister-Counselor with the Chinese Embassy in Italy, says the CIIE will not only promote the direct economic and trade, but will also benefit China-Italy investment.

"China and Italy both oppose protectionism and unilateralism, and support a rule-based multilateral trading regime. China International Import Expo is a significant measure that China takes to open its market to the world. It shows China's confidence and determination to opening-up."

The first China International Import Expo, which will be held in Shanghai from November 5th to 10th, already has 28-hundred companies registered as exhibitors from over 130 countries and regions.

For CRI, this is Huang Yue.