La Italy China Foundation, who over the past four years has operated as Italy China Council Foundation (ICCF), starts a new phase of its journey and officially announces its return to its historical name, following the completion of the integration, consolidation and relaunch process begun in 2022 when the Foundation (established in 2003) merged with the China-Italy Chamber of Commerce (founded in 1970).
Over the last four years, the organisation has harmonised the two structures, redefined its internal organisation and built an operating model capable of integrating complementary missions: on the one hand, the support for Italian and Chinese businesses and the strengthening of bilateral economic trade, heritage of the Italian-Chinese Chamber of Commerce; on the other hand the promotion of institutional, political, scientific and cultural relations between the two countries, a legacy of the Foundation.
With the completion of this path, the denomination Italy China Foundation today it represents the most effective synthesis of the organisation's identity and mission: a body capable of operating transversally across all dimensions of bilateral relations and of interpreting their evolution with continuity and vision.
The new phase is also accompanied by a visual identity renewedThe new logo integrates the Chinese character Middle (zhōng, ‘centre’ / ‘middle’), a visual representation of the Foundation’s role as bridge e central dialogue space between the two countries.
The name Fondazione Italia Cina expresses our most authentic essence. In recent years we have built a stronger and more cohesive body, with a broader scope than in the past, stated Mario Boselli,, President of the Italy China Foundation. With a renewed structure and identity, we are ready to work with even greater effectiveness on behalf of Italian and Chinese institutions and businesses, along the Italy–China and EU–China axis.
A new structure for a new phase
The Foundation's new identity accompanies a more solid and functional structure, designed to offer integrated services and rapid responses to the needs of businesses and institutions. The internal organisation is divided into five departments, each with a clear and complementary mission:
- China Desk - operational support and consultancy for companies operating along the Italy–China corridor.
- Research Department — publications, strategic analyses, reports and thematic insights.
- Academy — customised training and consultancy pathways for businesses, as well as Chinese language and culture courses.
- Institutional & European Affairs - management of relations with Italian, Chinese and European institutions.
- Events & Communication — conferences, professional development events, visibility and networking.
At the same time, the Foundation has strengthened its presence along the Italy–China axis, expanding its network of offices (Milan, Beijing, Guangzhou, Chengdu and Chongqing) and intensifying dialogue with the institutions of both countries. This is accompanied by the initiation of new collaborations with entities and organisations active in bilateral relations, with the aim of offering increasingly qualified and integrated support.
The strengths of the Italy-China Foundation today
This organisational evolution is accompanied by a series of distinctive elements that today make the Fondazione Italia Cina a unique actor in the bilateral landscape.
- Over 50 years of history — a unique heritage of experience in the role of bridge between Italy and China, which has helped to strengthen relations, dialogue and economic opportunities. The Foundation is an active part of the growth diplomacy, promoting the Italian business ecosystem and the country's presence in China.
- Full involvement— the only organisation on the Italy–China axis that integrates institutions, bodies and companies from both countries into its governance and membership base, operating with a consolidated bilateral presence thanks to offices in Italy and China and a team composed of Italian and Chinese professionals.
- Knowledge and valuable content authoritative analysis, publications and strategic insights that offer an up-to-date and qualified interpretation of contemporary China.
- Consolidated European role — active also on the Europe–China axis as implementing partner of the EU SME Centre and as Vice-Chairman of the EU-China Business Association, offering companies and institutions privileged access to networks, content and opportunities at EU level.
