Fourth successful Chinese New Year organised by Italy China Council Foundation (ICCF) e UNIIC (Italy-China Business Union)which brought together members and partners to celebrate the arrival of the Year of the Fire Horse with an evening dedicated to networking and dialogue between Italian and Chinese companies.
The event, realised with the contribution of Scalo Milano Outlet & More e The Botolo, welcomed in the New Year in an authentically traditional atmosphere, in the presence of over two hundred guests including Italian and Chinese entrepreneurs, institutions and professionals from the ICCF and UNIIC network. Adding further emphasis to the evening was the presence of Zheng Dongli, Acting Consul General of the People's Republic of China in Milan, and Filippo Barberis, Chief of Cabinet of the Mayor of Milan.
The event proved to be a valuable opportunity to deepen economic and commercial cooperation between Italy and China. In fact, the moments of confrontation, exchange of experiences and intercultural dialogue favoured the birth of new relationships and synergies able to generate business opportunities.
And it is precisely by looking at this cooperation that it becomes natural to broaden our gaze to the context in which Italian and Chinese companies operate. Besides being a moment of celebration, the event was also an opportunity to reflect on the current global market dynamics and on developments in relations between Italy and China.
In an international framework marked by uncertainties and changing trade balances, China has shown remarkable resilience, intervening with measures aimed at protecting its competitiveness and supporting exports, which remain a key pillar of its growth model. Despite some fragility on the domestic demand front, China has continued to show an considerable solidityeven recording a record trade surplus of USD 1.2 trillion, quickly rebalancing flows and offsetting the decrease in exports to the US by strengthening its presence in other strategic areas, from Europe to ASEAN countries.
It is also in light of this scenario that the arrival of theYear of the Fire Horse takes on a special significance.
"The horse is a symbol of energy, momentum and determination. It invites us to look to the future with courage, to move quickly and to seize the new opportunities that lie ahead, despite global uncertainties. For Italian and Chinese companies, this new cycle can truly be a favourable moment', stated Mario Boselli,President of the Italy China Council Foundation. "I am convinced that, with the spirit of the Fire Horse, we will be able to face the challenges with renewed energy and transform this period into an opportunity to further strengthen ties between our business communities, institutions and associations operating on the Italy-China axis. As Italy China Council Foundation we have been working for years to promote an increasingly solid and fruitful cooperation and we hope that occasions like this can represent a further step forward."
'The aim of UNIIC and initiatives such as the Chinese New Year celebration is to create connections and generate new opportunities for development: between companies, between generations and between the Chinese community and Italian society', stated Jie Lin, President of UNIIC (Italy-China Business Union). "The stories of our members are different, but they all share a common point: our lives and businesses are rooted in this country, while maintaining a living link with China. With our activities we want to foster an ever deeper integration of Chinese companies into the Italian economic system, contributing to the creation of stable and lasting value. At the same time, we maintain a constant dialogue with China, carefully following the evolution of relations between the two countries. Looking to the future, UNIIC will continue to promote dialogue, opportunities and mutual trust."
