Italian exhibitors beef up presence at CIIF

Visitors watch a robot transferring a box during the 23rd China International Industry Fair (CIIF) in east China's Shanghai, Sept. 19, 2023. (Xinhua/Fang Zhe)

SHANGHAI, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- More than 60 Italian companies are showcasing their products at the 23rd China International Industry Fair (CIIF) in Shanghai, demonstrating their ambition to explore the Chinese market further.

The "Italian National Pavilion" at the last edition of the fair three years ago received great feedback from exhibitors, said Bi Peiwen, president of DLG Exhibitions & Events Co., Ltd, the expo's organizer.

This time, the Pavilion has an exhibition area of some 1,300 square meters for 65 exhibitors, an increase of 30 percent compared to the previous 50, added Bi.

"This is our largest exhibition ever at the CIIF, representing the confidence of Italian companies in deepening their development and industrial chain cooperation in China, "said Cinzia Sarli, deputy trade commissioner of the Shanghai office of the Italian Trade Agency (ITA).

"Unknown to many, up to 40 percent of Italy's exports to China relate to industrial machinery," Sarli said, adding that the Chinese public is familiar with Italy's cuisine and fashion but knows little about Italy's "invisible industrial champions."

Sarli said Italy has much to offer in industrial machinery, especially referencing textiles, automobiles, baking, and shipbuilding. By attending the event, these enterprises hope to deepen cooperation and development in the Chinese market.

"Fifty percent of Italian companies investing in China are in the Yangtze River Delta region, which has a complete industrial chain and has become a key area for Italian companies to focus on," said Paolo Bazzoni, president of the China-Italy Chamber of Commerce.

Unlike general consumer goods, industrial enterprises should be "local for local." Bazzoni said all the Italian companies participating in this exhibition have been deeply rooted in China for many years and have become a part of the Chinese industrial chain.

"'Made in Italy' means high quality, innovation, and customized services for the local market. The huge booth represents the great confidence of Italian companies in the Chinese market," said Bazzoni.

After three years of disruption from the pandemic, the China International Industry Fair has again returned offline, with 30 percent of the exhibitors being international companies from Germany, Japan, and Italy, and Belt and Road countries, including Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan.