All sizes of Italian companies welcome in Hangzhou

(AGI) Hangzhou, May 26 - Hangzhou in China supports large and well-known Italian brands, as well as small and medium-sized enterprises that want to invest in the country. This is the message of the Business Forum held in the eastern Chinese city, which will host the next G20 meeting in September and the Asian Games in 2022. Italian companies discussed the innovation and quality requirements in the 13th Chinese five-year plan with local institutions and partners. Italian Ambassador to China, Ettore Sequi, said there were opportunities for Italian companies in the Chinese market. "There is a great desire for Italian and Italian SMEs, because people in China realise that they have the vitality and flexibility to operate in this market with the Chinese. At this event, we want to make sure that the Chinese become even more aware of the vitality of Italian industry and of the fact that we share characteristics that China greatly values: tradition and culture, but also a strong push for innovation." The Vice Mayor of Hangzhou, Xie Shuangcheng, said there were cultural similarities between Hangzhou and Italy. "We are convinced that this forum will stimulate trade," he said. "The government of Hangzhou is ready to support the efforts of Italian companies." The Business Forum was organised by the Italian Embassy in China, the Shanghai Consulate General, the Italian Trade Agency and the Italian Chamber of Commerce in China. Italy was represented by some of its best-known brands that have been in Chinafor some time, such as Leonardo, Finmeccanica and Ferrero, and other businesses in environment and energy, health and design, such as In3Act, Bracco Sine and Progetto CMR. Amedeo Scarpa, co-ordinator of the Italian Trade Agency offices in China, stressed the improtance of the Italian districts and the large investors already in Hangzhou. "We must find ways to have not only the large locomotives here, but also the smaller carriages, the small and medium-sized enterprises," he said. "For these, saying that the environment for investments is favourable is not enough. We must say that there is a network ready to accept an Italian district." China offers also business opportunities in e-commerce. Alibaba, the largest e-commerce group in the world founded by Jack Ma, started in Hangzhou. Its example was followed by others such as Top Link, which links small businesses to the vast Chinese market. Yang Qun, in charge of industry for the city of Hangzhou, said he was well aware of the importance of Italian industry for the city, he mentionedthe construction of a new Ferrero factory in particular. "Italy combines innovation with tradition. We are ready to support Italians investors with our services," he said. Sergio Bertasi, president of the Italian Chamber of Commerce in China, said that Italian companies were welcome in the area. "China wants to upgrade its industries while Italian companies that are looking to expand boast world records in many strategic areas that may be of interest to China," he said. (AGI) . .