Italy China Foundation

The Italy China Foundation is the only platform in Italy and one of the leading ones in Europe to include among its members both Italian and Chinese companies and institutional bodies, with the aim of facilitating collaboration and bilateral relations between the two countries and developing new business opportunities.

With over fifty years of history and a network that counts over 300 members and partners, the Foundation offers businesses targeted services of assistance, information, analysis and training, with particular focus on internationalisation processes along the Italy-China and EU-China axes.

Public Contributions

The roots of the Foundation date back to 1970, the year in which diplomatic relations between Italy and the People's Republic of China began and in which the Italy China Chamber of Commerce , the first Italian institution dedicated to trade between the two countries, was founded.

In 2003, on the initiative of Cesare Romiti, the Italy China Foundation was established to promote political, economic, commercial, scientific and cultural exchanges between the two countries. It built an ecosystem of relationships that includes Italian companies active in the Chinese market, Chinese multinationals investing in Italy, institutions and sector associations.

In June 2022, the Italy China Chamber of Commerce and the Italy China Foundation merged into a single entity, combining expertise, networks and experience to respond more effectively to the challenges and opportunities of Italy-China cooperation in today’s context. The result is a unique organisation in the Italian landscape, able to operate across the full spectrum of bilateral dialogue and to interpret its evolution with continuity and vision.

The Italy China Foundation is the only organisation in Italy that directly integrates Italian and Chinese entities in both its governance and its membership: around 70% of members are Italian and the remaining 30% Chinese. This composition is not merely a formal feature, but the foundation of its ability to act as an authentic interface between the two country systems.

This identity is reflected at every level: the Foundation is led by an Italian President and a Chinese Vice President, with a Board of Directors that includes members of both nationalities, offices in Italy and China, and a team of Italian and Chinese professionals who work and communicate in both languages, ensuring qualified and timely responses to members’ needs.

The Foundation’s reach, however, goes beyond the bilateral relationship: its role also extends to the European dimension, where it is an active player in the broader EU-China dialogue. It is an Implementing Partner of the EU SME Centre, the European project supporting small and medium-sized enterprises operating or planning to operate in the Chinese market, and Vice President of the EU-China Business Association (EUCBA), the organisation dedicated to promoting direct investment and trade between China and the European Union.