Heard across boardrooms from Milan to Shanghai: the future of Italy’s trade lies in Beijing, not Washington. That’s the bold claim from Lorenzo Riccardi, chairman of the China-Italy Chamber of Commerce, in a sit-down with CGTN reporter Wang Tianyu. ‘The Chinese mainland has long been Italy’s largest trading partner in Asia,’ Riccardi says, urging businesses to double down on these ties amid rising global uncertainty.
Economic headwinds—from volatile commodity prices to shifting geopolitical alliances—are prompting companies to rethink their growth strategies. According to Riccardi, the Chinese mainland market offers stability and scale. Its consumers are hungry for high-quality goods and services, while its digital ecosystem welcomes innovative solutions.
Italian brands in luxury fashion, agri-food and automotive are already making their mark. Meanwhile, emerging sectors such as renewable energy, electric vehicles and fintech are opening new doors. ‘We’re seeing double-digit growth in e-commerce sales for Italian products,’ Riccardi notes, highlighting how local platforms and cross-border logistics have simplified trade.
Of course, success in the Chinese mainland market isn’t automatic. Riccardi underscores the importance of local partnerships, regulatory know-how and cultural fluency. Italian small and medium enterprises (SMEs) can leverage joint ventures, trade fairs and digital marketing to build brand recognition and navigate complex rules.
As tensions between the United States and the Chinese mainland persist, Riccardi believes Italy can chart an independent course. ‘Our future is in Beijing,’ he concludes. For young entrepreneurs and global-minded professionals, the message is clear: the world’s second-largest economy is ready for Italy’s next wave of innovators.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
