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On October 25, 2024, a delegation from Runzhou District, Zhenjiang City, Jiangsu Province, visited the Palazzo Borghese, where the Sino-Italian Design Exchange Center office is located, for an in-depth tour and economic and trade exchange meeting with representatives of Florence-based companies. Ms. Wang Qun, Chief Operating Officer of the Sino-Italian Design Exchange Center, led the delegation through the site, providing a detailed introduction to the project’s background and development.

The attendees included Xu Yan, Deputy Secretary of the Runzhou District Committee and District Mayor; Dai Kexiang, Deputy Director of the Standing Committee of the District People's Congress and Deputy Commander of the District Comprehensive Development Command; Ling Xin, Party Secretary of the Baota Road Sub-district; Zhou Hengxiang, Director of the Weigang Sub-district Office; Zhang Yuanyuan, Director of the Nanshan Sub-district Office; Ni Ruonan, Director of the Investment Promotion Center; Leonardo Cavini, President of the Florence branch of CONFAPI; Giampaolo Pacini, Vice President of CONFAPI; Ms. Wang Qun, COO of the Sino-Italian Design Exchange Center and Director of DoBe Group's Italy Center; Mr. Gianni Roini, President of Podhio; and Mr. Francesco Sani, President of SANI+partners.

In her speech, Xu Yan, Deputy Secretary of the Runzhou District Committee and District Mayor, stated that Runzhou District has been committed to attracting investment and promoting industrial upgrading in recent years. She expressed hope that this visit would provide valuable insights from Italy’s advanced experience in the cultural and creative design industry to inspire new ideas for Runzhou’s economic development. Runzhou aims to fully leverage its unique geographical advantages and rich historical and cultural resources to deepen cooperation with Italian partners, driving higher quality regional economic development.

Founded in 1947, CONFAPI represents over 116,000 companies with more than 1 million employees. As a member of the National Council for Economics and Labour (CNEL), CONFAPI plays a significant role in policy-making and advancing internationalization for small and medium-sized enterprises. President Leonardo Cavini noted the increasing competitiveness of Italian SMEs in the international market and expressed a desire to collaborate with Runzhou District in the future, fostering mutual exchanges in the cultural and creative industries and innovation.

During the meeting, Zhou Hengxiang, Director of the Weigang Sub-district Office, presented the investment environment of Zhenjiang City and Runzhou District. He emphasized the district's unique geographical advantages, robust infrastructure, and vibrant investment climate, which have attracted numerous projects in recent years. He welcomed Italian companies to explore investment opportunities in Runzhou and expressed hope for deeper collaboration with international partners across multiple fields to drive mutually beneficial development.

Francesco Sani, President of SANI+partners, shared insights on the evolution and outlook of the Italian design industry. He highlighted Italy’s strong foundation in design and artisanal innovation, suggesting that partnerships with regions across China could open new possibilities in the field of creative design.

This successful economic and trade exchange meeting in Florence marked an auspicious beginning for commercial cooperation and an important step in building bilateral friendship. Attendees engaged in in-depth discussions on topics such as collaboration in cultural and creative industries and the implementation of international projects, expressing optimism for future cooperation in broader areas. The Florence base of the Sino-Italian Design Exchange Center will continue to leverage its platform to provide an international bridge for Chinese and Italian companies, promoting economic prosperity and development for both nations.