The chamber’s Chairman Franco Cutrupia makes a speech on Dec 10.

BEIJING - One of the biggest get-togethers of the Italian-Chinese business community – an Italian gala dinner - was held in Beijing’s Peninsula Hotel on Dec 10. This was not only the best place to get a taste of real Italian lifestyle or some Italian food and wine, but also a place for networking while enjoying some top entertainment with the Italian friends.

On hand for the grand event were Attilio Massimo Iannucci, Italy’s ambassador to China, Franco Cutrupia, chairman of the China-Italy Chamber of Commerce, which organized the gala, and She Chunming, vice-mayor of the city of Jining (Shandong province). Other important guests included the chairmen of important educators, international reporters, and various other representatives.

Two performers from an Anhui opera theater performs Huangmei Opera at the gala dinner.

While they were enjoying some Italian food and wine, the guests found themselves surrounded by traditional Italian and Chinese. An Italian band, Nello and the Cats, which has gained some fame in Shanghai, was on hand to perform. They were followed by a performance of Chinese Huangmei Opera by two wonderful members of an Anhui opera troupe. Huangmei Opera is a unique local branch of traditional Chinese opera known for its different rhythms.

One highlight of the evening was Zhang Feng, singing “My Sun”. Zhang is one of China’s most famous singers and has held many concerts in Italy, and received plenty of applause and cheers of “Bravo! Bravo” for her effort. Zhang was honored by the Italian president in 2011 with a knighthood and invited to sing the Italian national anthem for the country’s National Day this year.

The China-Italy Chamber of Commerce, organizer of the evening affair, is a non-profit private association founded in 1991. In 2000, it was recognized by the Italian government and now represents the Ital¬ian business community in China in dealing with both Chinese and Italian authorities.

Composed of private entrepreneurs, businesspeople and other professionals, the chamber is deeply rooted in business culture, but it also has a strong understanding of public needs. It educates young professionals and assists small and medium-sized enterprises to pursue business opportunities with Italian counterparts through an integrated framework of all major Italian players in the Chinese market.

CICC is based in Beijing and has branches in Shanghai and Guangzhou.