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Embassy of China in Italy

Italy, officially the Italian Republic, is a unitary parliamentary republic in Southern Europe. To the north, it borders France, Switzerland, Austria, and Slovenia along the Alps. To the south, it consists of the entirety of the Italian Peninsula, Sicily, Sardinia–the two largest islands in the Mediterranean Sea–and many other smaller islands. The independent states of San Marino and the Vatican City are enclaves within Italy, while Campione d'Italia is an Italian exclave in Switzerland. The territory of Italy covers some 301,338 km2 Read More

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Address:	No.56, Via Bruxelles, Rome
Postal Code:	00198
Tel:	+39 06 9652 4200
Fax:	+39 06 8535 2891
Email:	Segreteria.china@gmail.com
Website:	Website

Relations between the People's Republic of China and the Republic of Italy enjoyed steady and fast growth since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1970. In 2004, the two countries issued a joint statement to establish a comprehensive strategic partnership. The year 2010 marked the 40th anniversary of the diplomatic relations. China-Italy comprehensive strategic partnership further deepened and practical cooperation in various fields enjoyed robust development.

The two countries maintained the momentum of high-level visits. In October, Premier Wen Jiabao paid an official visit to Italy and Italian President Giorgio Napolitano paid a state visit to China. Member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee He Guoqiang visited Italy, during which he met with leading figures of the central and local governments and major political parties, and attended the Forum on Cooperation Between Chinese and Italian Small and Medium Enterprises.

CPPCC Vice Chairman and Minister of Science and Technology Wan Gang visited Italy and attended the China-Italy Forum on Innovation. Minister of Labor, Health and Social Policies Maurizio Sacconi and Minister of Environment, Land and Sea Stefania Prestigiacomo visited China. Minister of Economy and Finance Giulio Tremonti attended the China-Europe-USA Academic Forum. The two foreign ministries maintained close interactions and consultations. Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi met with Minister of Foreign Affaris Franco Frattini both during President Napolitano's visit to China and the eighth Asia-Europe Meeting.

Economic and trade cooperation yielded more fruits, and two-way trade registered rapid growth. During Premier Wen's visit to Italy in October, the two sides issued the Three-Year Action Program on Enhancing China-Italy Economic Cooperation, which underlined cooperation in such priority areas as trade, investment, finance, small and medium enterprises, scientific and technological innovation and environmental protection. Business leaders from the two countries held discussions and signed 10 contracts worth a total of US$3.26 billion. The Ministry of Commerce held several large business promotion events in Italy. Investment made by Chinese companies in Italy continued to grow. In May, about 600 business people visited China during the National Pavilion Day events of Italy at the Shanghai World Expo.

Cultural exchanges reached a new climax. In October, the "Chinese Culture Year" activities kicked off in Rome and would continue till September 2011. A number of events were held in Italy, including the Qin-Han and Roman Civilizations Exhibition, the Concert of the Chinese Philharmonic Orchestra and the Grand Gathering of Chinese and Italian Teenagers.

Exchanges and cooperation in science, technology and the environment and between localities were intensified. In November, the China-Italy Forum on Innovation was held in Rome, and over 200 participants from the two countries discussed energy conservation, emission reduction, industrial design, life science and other topics. In November, the Beijing -Campania Technology and Commerce Week was held in Naples, during which an exhibition featuring "Green Technology, Harmonious Nature" was staged. In October, a photo exhibition on achievements of Sino-Italian cooperation on environmental protection was held in Rome. Secretary of the CPC Hunan Provincial Committee Zhou Qiang visited Italy. President of the Region of Lombardia Roberto Formigoni, President of the Region of Tuscany Enrico Rossi and Mayor of Rome Gianni Alemanno visited China.

Military-to-military relations grew steadily. Director of the PLA General Armaments Department General Chang Wanquan visited Italy. Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Bruno Branciforte and Chief of Defense General Vincenzo Camporini visited China. The fifth PLA naval fleet for escorting mission in the Gulf of Aden visited Italy en route back to China.