ROME, Oct. 16 (Xinhua) -- The Italy-China Foundation has urged Italian companies seeking opportunities in China to look beyond traditional business partnerships, highlighting the role of academic and research cooperation in fostering mutual understanding and strengthening bilateral ties.
Addressing the open day event of the Italy-China Foundation Thursday in Milan, Mario Boselli, president of the Foundation, said Italian companies seeking opportunities in China need to look beyond traditional commercial partnerships and develop a deeper understanding of the country's industrial policies, technological priorities and evolving market demand.
Boselli also highlighted the role of cooperation among universities, research centers and institutions in strengthening mutual understanding. Through cooperation with the foundation and a recent institutional mission to China, University Institute of Modern Languages in Milan is seeking to consolidate ties with Chinese partner universities and expand academic exchanges.
Meanwhile, an analysis of the foundation, whose network includes over 300 members and partners, stressed potential complementarities between the two economies, noting that both have strong manufacturing traditions, prominent family-owned businesses and extensive industrial supply chains.
Hosted at the Milan offices of Baker McKenzie, the event brought together business representatives and experts to discuss ways to overcome commercial, cultural and communication barriers between Italy and China. ■