At the 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE) that just concluded, the Centro Innovazione Italiano, located at Shanghai's Yangpu Riverside, made its first appearance and dazzled on the CIIE stage with its distinct Italian flair and innovative spirit.

Inside the Centro Innovazione Italiano's pavilion at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), the theme "Innovation Driven, Green Transition, and Win-win Integration" stands out prominently. The area showcases a diverse range of Italian companies focused on sustainable green industrial design, innovative architecture, Italian culture and tourism, and premium food products. Each exhibit captures the essence of "Made in Italy".

Throughout the event, the exhibition area drew flocks of professional visitors, boosting confidence and impetus for China-Italy collaboration.

Three "firsts" mark a new journey at CIIE

The Centro Innovazione Italiano achieved several milestones during this year's CIIE. It was the first time the center organized an Italian government and business delegation for CIIE participation, the first time it set up a booth at the CIIE, and the first time it coordinated extensive business matching events between Italian and Chinese companies since its inception. These three "firsts" underscore the platform's high priority and elaborate planning.

"Our invitation to the Italian government and business delegation extends beyond mere product display; it's about creating a 'China-Italy CIIE Innovation Hub'," said Marco Xu, President of the Centro Innovazione Italiano. He hoped this approach will drive collaborative projects between China and Italy, enabling Italian innovations in sustainability, design, and premium food to flourish in China.

Since its official launch in Yangpu in January, the Centro Innovazione Italiano has focused on fostering resource sharing and mutual strengths between China and Italy across various sectors.

In a short span of ten months, the Centro Innovazione Italiano has swiftly become a vital link for China-Italy collaboration. Its CIIE debut has elevated it to the cutting edge of international cooperation.

Dual-Engine Approach Boosts "Energy Field" Effect

At the CIIE, the Centro Innovazione Italiano introduced a dual-engine approach, combining in-booth displays with out-of-booth activations to maximize collaborative impact. Within the booth, a thoughtfully curated exhibition highlighted Italy's innovative accomplishments. Beyond the booth, a range of engaging activities further expanded the influence of the "China-Italy CIIE Innovation Hub".

A key achievement of the Centro Innovazione Italiano was organizing the Italian government and business delegation's visit to China. As noted by officials, the center successfully coordinated a 10-member delegation, featuring the Mayor of Gerace and other business leaders, to attend the CIIE.

"Their arrival, with a genuine intent to collaborate, has set a strong foundation for China-Italy business cooperation," noted a responsible official.

Finance serves as the backbone of international cooperation. Recently, the Centro Innovazione Italiano, along with the CCB Milan and Shanghai branches, inked a strategic cooperation agreement at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai). During the ceremony, representatives from the three parties signed the agreement, witnessed by numerous guests. This collaboration aims to pool resources to support cross-border growth for Chinese and Italian companies, facilitating cooperation in investment, trade, and beyond.

Business-government collaboration events have been bustling with activity. Recently, the Centro Innovazione Italiano, invited to Yangpu's Fuxing Island, showcased top-tier Italian architecture and industrial design companies at the 8th CIIE - Fuxing Island Innovation and Entrepreneurship Agglomeration Zone Promotion Event. Themed "Meeting at the CIIE, Revitalizing the Future", the event saw Chinese and Italian business leaders exchange ideas and forge cooperative agreements, laying solid groundwork for China-Italy industrial partnerships.

Also, during the 8th CIIE, the Italian government and business delegation visited Putuo District and Baoshan District. At the reception activities in each district, both sides engaged in in-depth discussions on industrial design, premium food, sustainable development, and other areas.

"Rendezvous with Trust" for a Brighter Future

On November 9, the "Rendezvous with Trust: China-Italy Business Cooperation Forum," hosted by the Centro Innovazione Italiano, took place successfully at the Shanghai People's City Practice Exhibition Hall. As a supporting event of the 8th CIIE, the forum marked a climax in China-Italy exchanges. Government representatives and business leaders from both countries convened to discuss new opportunities for collaboration.

Liu Jinyuan, Deputy Head of Yangpu District, extended a warm invitation on behalf of the CPC Yangpu District Committee and Yangpu District People's Government, saying, "I warmly welcome Italian friends to invest in and establish a presence in our district, and to share in the benefits of our growth." Following this, China Construction Bank introduced a dedicated financial service plan, a concrete financial support initiative that was met with hearty applause from the attending business community.

In presence of the guests, the Mayor of Gerace elaborated on the local investment opportunities. With engaging examples and solid data, he highlighted the unique allure of the Italian market to Chinese enterprises.

The signing ceremony was the highlight of the event. Chinese and Italian institutions inked several strategic cooperation agreements in areas such as culture and tourism, engineering, and design. Each agreement represents a significant stride in the ongoing China-Italy collaboration.

The free exchange segment was a hive of activity. Chinese and Italian business representatives gathered around, exchanging business cards, showcasing product samples, and delving into detailed discussions about potential collaborations. This face-to-face interaction has transformed cooperation from mere paperwork into tangible reality.

The Centro Innovazione Italiano's successful debut at the 8th CIIE heralds a new chapter in China-Italy cooperation. Originating from Yangpu Riverside, this innovative platform has now stepped onto the global stage, forging a new era of collaboration with a promise of trust.

Today, the exquisite craftsmanship of "Made in Italy" converges seamlessly with the vast market of "Intelligent Manufacturing in China", as two distinct cultures harmoniously blend on the CIIE stage…

Moving forward, Yangpu will deepen its strategic collaboration with the Centro Innovazione Italiano. By leveraging the CIIE's spillover effects, we aim to create a sustainable cooperation model that transforms exhibits into market-ready products and exhibitors into investors. Additionally, we will facilitate precise connections between Italian SMEs and the Chinese market through regular industry salons and a cross-border technology transfer platform, shaping a new chapter of bilateral cooperation.