A promotional conference for the seventh China International Import Expo, or CIIE, the annual import-themed trade fair set for Shanghai in November, was held in Milan, Italy last Friday.

The event, co-hosted by the Chinese Consulate General in Milan, the CIIE Bureau, and the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) Co Ltd, and organized by the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Italy and the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, attracted representatives of nearly 150 Italian businesses and institutions.

Four of the attendees, including the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Italy, Confimprese Italia, Claudio Quarta Vignaiolo, and Sida Group, signed contracts or memorandums of cooperation with the expo's organizer, CIIE Bureau, for their participation in the seventh CIIE.

Addressing the event, Liu Kan, Chinese consul general in Milan, said that as China's economy rapidly rebounds and domestic consumption potential continues to be unleashed, the country is attracting high-quality products from around the world, including Italy, keen to enter the Chinese market.

Liu cited data from the Italian National Institute of Statistics highlighting that Italian exports to China in 2023 showed an annual growth of 17 percent, demonstrating that Italian manufacturing is favored by Chinese consumers and that Sino-Italian bilateral trade has promising prospects.

Noting that the year 2024 marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Italy, Liu expressed the hope that Italian businesses can seize the opportunities of the CIIE to seek common development with their Chinese counterparts.

Sun Chenghai, deputy director-general of the CIIE Bureau, said Italy was a long-time friend of the CIIE, having participated for six consecutive years, and the number of exhibitors has consistently been ranked among the top 10 globally.

Italy has also participated in the CIIE's cultural exchange activities for three consecutive years, showcasing the country's rich intangible cultural heritage, said Sun.

He also said he believes that the CIIE could contribute to consolidating and promoting Sino-Italian economic and trade relations.

Marco Bettin, general manager of the Italy-China Council Foundation, a Milan-based non-profit association dedicated to promoting the development of Sino-Italian bilateral relations, said that the CIIE serves as a platform for Italian businesses, where companies can meet buyers and industry competitors all over the world, and areas of collaborations can be identified through face-to-face exchanges.

"It is absolutely innovative," he said.

The foundation has been actively promoting the CIIE in Italy, and has invited more than 200 companies to take part in the expo over the past six years, he added.