Network

The China-Italy Chamber of Commerce (CICC) It is a Mixed Chamber, made up of Italian and Chinese businesses.

It was established on 16 October 1970 in conjunction with the re-establishment of diplomatic relations between Italy and the People's Republic of China. ICCC is recognized by the Ministry of Enterprise and Made in Italy and is a member of the Mixed Chambers of Commerce section. It is included in the Register of Italian Foreign Chambers of Commerce (number 19).

It is also a founding member of the EU-China Business Association (EUCBA), the association that promotes direct investments and trade between China and the EU. ICCC maintains ongoing relations with ministries, diplomatic entities, political and economic institutions of both countries.

The mission is to provide assistance and support to Italian and Chinese companies for their strategic development in the relevant areas of interest. The experience acquired over time by the ICCC is a unique asset, available to both Italian and Chinese companies to improve relations and economic exchanges between Italy and China.

Since June 2022, the Italian Chinese Chamber of Commerce and the Italia Cina Foundation have merged, thus giving rise to a reality capable of to operate 360° in Italy-China dialogue and to interpret its evolution with continuity and vision.

Founded in 1952, the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) It is a Chinese national organization for the promotion of foreign trade and investment. With a network of relationships that encompasses international organizations, trade promotion agencies, and trade associations worldwide, the CCPIT serves as the institutional reference point for businesses seeking to develop economic relations with China.

Its activities range from the promotion of bilateral trade and investment to the management of international exhibitions and trade fairs, and from the organisation of high-level economic delegations to legal consultancy and commercial arbitration. The CCPIT is also responsible for issuing certificates of origin, protecting intellectual property and providing training, offering businesses integrated support throughout their entire internationalisation journey.

EU-China Business Association (EUCBA), of which the Foundation is Vice-President, it is the non-profit European federation that brings together national business organisations from European Union countries active in economic relations with China. It currently represents 20 organisations across 20 European countries and a network of over 20,000 companies, including large enterprises, SMEs and entities operating in the industrial, commercial and service sectors.

The association promotes direct investment and trade between Europe and China through shared projects, networking activities, and the exchange of information and experience, with the aim of offering European businesses the tools, knowledge, and relationships useful for developing and strengthening their presence on the Chinese market.

EUCBA also plays a role in institutional representation at a European level, bringing the voice of businesses into the decision-making processes of the European Union and individual Member States. In a context where trade competencies are increasingly handled by the EU, coordinated representation is essential to promote balanced economic relations and transparent market conditions between Europe and China.

EU SME Centre, of which the Foundation is the Implementing Partner, it is an initiative funded by the European Union that supports European small and medium-sized enterprises and those from countries participating in the Single Market Programme in accessing the Chinese market.

The project offers free information, consultancy, training and networking services to help SMEs understand China's economic and operational context, develop business opportunities and approach the market with greater awareness.

Through collaboration with business support organisations and trade promotion agencies, the EU SME Centre provides expertise, tools and activities dedicated to European companies from various sectors, supporting them at every stage of their journey towards China.

Founded in 1886, Legacoop It is the main association representing Italian cooperatives. It brings together more than 10,000 cooperatives and more than 7.6 million members, generating a total value of over 86 billion euros.

The association supports the birth and growth of cooperative enterprises through services, planning, and support activities, while promoting the cooperative culture and its distinctive values. Through its representative activities, it contributes to strengthening the economic, social, and civil role of cooperation in Italy and internationally.

Legacoop is among the founders of the International Cooperative Alliance, and works in partnership with the cooperative movements of partner countries, including important players in the cooperative movement in China and Asia.

SPICI srl – Società per l’Innovazione, la Cooperazione e l’Internazionalizzazione is an Open Innovation hub and promoter of the Naples Technological Pole "Fabbrica Italiana dell’Innovazione".

Its mission is to strengthen the competitiveness of the public and private production system in the South of Italy, supporting paths of innovation and internationalisation through digital technologies. SPICI designs and implements advanced solutions, programmes and services for digital transformation, business creation and access to foreign markets, with an offering aimed at businesses and the Public Administration.

The company operates through four main divisions:

• Fabritech_development of bespoke digital applications, products and systems, and specialist consultancy services in the field of digital transformation.
• Internationalisationsupport for SMEs in accessing and consolidating foreign markets.
• Accelerationbusiness development services for the creation and growth of innovative startups.
• Open Innovation and European Projects_development of technological and social innovation projects and internationalisation programmes at European level.

SPICI also specialises in three strategic sectors: Cultural and Creative Industries, Green Economy and Blue Growth.

Founded in Milan in 2012, Italy-China Entrepreneurs Union (UNIIC) promotes and protects Chinese entrepreneurship in Italy, with the aim of encouraging cultural integration, cooperation between public and private bodies and the development of socio-economic exchanges between entities that share common values.

The Association organises events, cultural initiatives, conferences, awareness-raising campaigns and fundraising, helping to strengthen relationships between different people and cultures.

Unioncamere – the Italian Union of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Handicraft and Agriculture – is the public body that institutionally represents and coordinates the Italian chamber of commerce system.

Founded in 1901, it provides support and guidance activities for Chambers of Commerce and the main economic categories, creating and managing services of common interest and promoting the coordination of the System through guidelines and directives aimed at the bodies that form part of it.

For the exercise of the functions attributed by law to the Chambers of Commerce, Unioncamere enters into programme agreements, understandings and conventions with central administrations, national and local public bodies. In this context, it promotes coordination between the chamber system and business, consumer and worker organisations.

At European level, it represents the Italian Chambers of Commerce within Eurochambres, the association that brings together the chamber of commerce systems of European countries.