Trade ties deepen relations

Support system helps businesses make the most of increasing commerce opportunities

The China-Italy Chamber of Commerce, the only association of Italian companies formally recognized by both the Chinese and Italian governments, is busy promoting Italian cutting-edge technologies and representing Italian lifestyle, according to Sergio Bertasi, the chamber's chairman.

In 2015, exports of Italian goods to China reached 10.42 billion euros ($11.64 billion) and imports of Chinese goods to Italy hit 28.15 billion euros, according to the chamber. Unfortunately for Italy, the balance was very much in the negative and things do not appear to be improving. In May 2016, exports to China were down 2.9 percent and imports from China were up 0.2 percent year-on-year.