On March 16, the 2026 China-Europe Enterprise Exchange and Matchmaking Event (Italian Enterprise Special Session), as part of the supporting activities of the Shanghai Global Investment Promotion Conference, was held in Shanghai Silicon Alley.
The Investment Promotion Office of Changning District delivered a welcome speech and presented the business environment of Changning. Shanghai has long been one of the main investment destinations in China for Italian enterprises. As a key gateway for Shanghai’s opening-up to the world, Changning has consistently embraced multifaceted cooperation with Italy. Renowned companies such as RINA, Amplifon (China) Investment, and Chiesi Pharmaceuticals have established roots and thrived here. We look forward to welcoming more enterprises to Changning, where they can share in the development opportunities brought by strategic advancement, industrial transformation and upgrading, and the continuous optimization of the business environment.
As an important communication bridge between China and Italy, the China-Italy Innovation Center introduced the industrial development situation and cooperation opportunities in Italy. Italy holds prominent advantages in three major fields: high-end handmade artworks, pharmaceutical chemicals and precision instruments, and distinctive agriculture and culinary culture. These areas exhibit strong complementarity with the Chinese market. There is anticipation for more cooperation between the two sides in the future, such as promoting the digitalization of Florence’s handicrafts, collaborating with Changning in urban renewal, facilitating young Changning artists and designers to study at studios in Florence, and introducing Italian handicraft workshops.
During the roadshow session, a group of high-quality Italian enterprises in green energy, digital transformation, and cybersecurity, along with representatives from several Chinese multinational companies and “specialized, sophisticated, distinctive, and innovative” enterprises, discussed specific cooperation scenarios and arranged for further communication.
Prior to the meeting, the Italian delegation visited Shanghai Silicon Alley. Mr. Omar Bertolla, the head of ALERT SRL, shared his impressions: “This district in Changning beautifully integrates Western culture with traditional Chinese culture. This fusion helps attract more attention and deeper understanding. This trip to China is expected to further expand the supply chain, promote cooperation in green energy and the digital economy, and grow the industry on a larger scale.”
This event was organized by the Shanghai SMEs Development Service Center and the Investment Promotion Office of Changning District, hosted by Shanghai Creative City Technology Development Co., Ltd., and supported by the Sino-Italian Innovation Center (SIIC). Representatives from multiple Italian enterprises and Shanghai’s “specialized, sophisticated, distinctive, and innovative” enterprises gathered to conduct precise B2B matchmaking.
Attendees included responsible officials from the District Development and Reform Commission, District Commerce Commission, District Science and Technology Commission, District Data Bureau, and Huayang Road Sub-district Office.
