Across China: Italian entrepreneur in Hainan -- a bridge between Italy and China

HAIKOU, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- Stefano Fedi from Florence in Italy was busy inviting Italian companies to participate in the third China International Consumer Products Expo next year.

"We need to prepare one year in advance to engage with Italian companies and invite them to join the exhibition," said Stefano, working now in Italy as a coordinator to prepare for the Italian pavilion. He will return to Hainan at the end of September.

The second China International Consumer Products Expo, held from July 25 to 30 this year in Haikou, capital of south China's Hainan Province, attracted more than 1,600 international brands, including over 70 brands from Italy covering food, wine, jewelry, clothing, and yachts.

"We are working on a good project with the China-Italy Chamber of Commerce and other institutions from Italy to promote this event for the next year," he said.

Engaged in the fashion industry for more than 20 years, Stefano set up his fashion consulting company in Haikou in 2018, the year in which Hainan became a pilot free trade zone and began exploring free trade port construction.

Stefano's deep bond with Hainan dates back many years ago. In 2006, he took his family to Hainan for a holiday while on a business trip in China.

"We enjoyed that time very much, so we started to go back every couple of years," he said, noting that his family had fond memories of Hainan.

The favorable business environment brought about by deepening reform and opening-up has increased Hainan's attractiveness to skills and investment. More international talents have come to Hainan to invest or start their business.

"The construction of the free trade port is a great opportunity for foreign companies," he said, adding that Hainan is starting to play a vital role in helping foreign companies approach the Chinese market.

He set up his company in Fullsing Internet Industrial Park, also known as Fullsing Town, a key industrial park in Hainan, also home to an international offshore innovation and entrepreneurship base. Stefano thought it provided a good location and friendly environment for business.

He traveled a lot for work in China, especially Shanghai, to meet the Italian brands headquartered there.

He said the Hainan free trade port will be completed in 2025. It will change the scenario and start a new era for Hainan to have a significant role in Southeast Asia and as a free trade port regarding logistics, shopping for tourists, and international tourism.

"As a strategy consulting company, I find many potential business opportunities in Hainan. I will think of myself as a bridge between Italy and China for companies with no opportunity to come directly to China," he said.

He plans to live between Hainan and Italy in the future. "I have many things to promote in Hainan in the next ten years. So it's exciting," he said.