On the afternoon of November 9, 2025, 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 in Yangpu District. As one of the supporting events for the 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE), the forum focused on advancing the implementation of projects by Italian exhibitors in Yangpu and enhancing practical cooperation between China and Italy in technological innovation and industry. Attending the forum were Liu Jinyuan, Deputy Head of Yangpu District; Rudy Lici, Mayor of Gerace; representatives from the Yangpu Commission of Commerce and Yangpu Investment Promotion Office, Italian government officials, prominent business leaders, and representatives from China Construction Bank (CCB).

The forum began with a focus on "trust" as its central theme. In his welcoming remarks, Marco Xu, President of the Centro Innovazione Italiano, highlighted that integrity forms the foundation of business and cultural ties between China and Italy. He recounted how the Medici Bank, during the Renaissance, built a century-long legacy based on trust. He pledged that the Centro Innovazione Italiano will keep acting as a "connector" and "accelerator", helping Chinese and Italian companies turn cooperative intentions into tangible projects.

In the speech segment, Liu, on behalf of the CPC Yangpu District Committee and Yangpu District People's Government, extended congratulations on the forum's success and warmly welcomed the Italian government and business delegation. He noted that the district will keep enhancing its business environment, providing all-round policy and service support to Italian enterprises to foster practical cooperation in various key fields. He suggested that China and Italy should build a long-term cooperation framework, leveraging platforms such as the Centro Innovazione Italiano to deepen interactions and bring more collaborative projects to fruition.

In his address, Rudy Lici, Mayor of Gerace, Italy, described Gerace and the Region of Calabria as a "strategic gateway" bridging Europe and the Mediterranean. He showcased an ambitious vision for Gerace's transformation from a historic "city of a thousand years" into a "new life laboratory" that harmonizes history, ecology, and digital innovation. He extended a heartfelt invitation to partners from Shanghai and Yangpu to visit and jointly pursue collaborative opportunities in trade, tourism, culture, and innovation.

The Global Financial Service Center of the CCB Shanghai Branch presented its "three protections and four empowerments" integrated financial service system, designed to support enterprises in their global expansion. It conveyed the commitment to offer comprehensive financial support throughout the lifecycle of Italian businesses in China and Chinese enterprises going global.

Representatives from Italian companies like AT Group, SAB Group, and SPED Srl highlighted Italy's leading ideas and practical experience in cultural arts, heritage preservation design, and engineering technology. They conveyed their keen interest in further penetrating the Chinese market and collaboratively broadening opportunities for cooperation.

At the subsequent signing ceremony, witnessed by Liu Jinyuan and Rudy Lici, the Centro Innovazione Italiano entered into strategic cooperation agreements with Gerace and SPED Srl. Additionally, a tripartite memorandum of understanding was signed with SAB Design and Shanghai Yueben Decoration Engineering Co., Ltd. These agreements, spanning cultural tourism promotion, architectural and engineering collaborations, and design innovation, signal a new era of project-driven and institutionalized cooperation between China and Italy.

In the free exchange segment, company representatives dove into lively and detailed conversations about technical collaboration, market development, and resource integration. The scene buzzed with dynamic discussions, and multiple companies reached initial cooperation agreement, truly reflecting the forum's theme "Rendezvous with Trust" and its tangible results.

The success of this forum has significantly enhanced mutual trust and collaboration between China and Italy across industries, finance, and culture. It has also invigorated Yangpu's push to become a leading international innovation cooperation hub. Moving forward, we will maintain an open and inclusive stance, strengthening ties with innovative regions like Italy and fostering the growth and success of more international cooperation projects.