Italy, China know how to innovate, create, surprise

In 2017, Italy consolidated its path of full economic recovery, with positive growth also in terms of employment, export and share of global trade. Italy, as China, has gained a lot from going global in recent times: they both share the idea that the only way to fully reap the benefits of globalization while reducing the chances of any side-effect is through dialogue, consultation and mutual understanding. These three words, in fact, are the most useful tools in the international community's hands.

The comprehensive strategic partnership between Italy and China, which has been built up and reinforced in the recent past, can be taken as a good example of what those words mean. In the last few years the political and economic ties between Italy and China have experienced a new impetus. There has been a continuous stream of top-level visits, reflecting the increasing willingness to further promote our bilateral strategic partnership. On every occasion, Italy and China have signed important bilateral agreements in areas such as health, science, technology, space exploration and food safety.

Our partnership has a potential beyond our imagination. Italy and China are the top two countries in the world for the number of sites included in the UNESCO World Heritage list. Indeed, the first twinning was launched last January, between Verona and Hangzhou's West Lake.