From 2 to 4 March, Zhou Hongbo, Secretary of the CPC Nanjing Municipal Committee, led a delegation to Italy for a series of high-level economic and cultural engagements. The delegation paid visit to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, and the Chinese Embassy in Italy.  They also met with executives from companies such as Marposs Group, Brembo Group, and Figeac Aéro. Cultural exchanges and SMEs cooperation talks were held to deepen practical cooperation between Nanjing and Italy in the fields of economy, trade, industry, and culture.

Based in Rome, the FAO has worked effectively with Nanjing in multiple fields in recent years. On March 2nd, the delegation met with Qu Dongyu, Director-General of FAO, to discuss cooperation in agricultural innovation and sustainability.

Zhou Hongbo highlighted Nanjing’s commitment to enhance its modern agricultural strengths following the national strategy of building a strong agricultural nation, proposing joint initiatives in the “One Health Joint Plan of Action”, sustainable and safe pesticide application, and agri-tech innovation.

The delegation also visited the Chinese Embassy in Italy to express gratitude for its long-term guidance and support in Nanjing's cooperation with Italy. Zhou Hongbo reviewed the achievements in recent years and expressed the plans to leverage the 55th anniversary of China-Italy ties to advance cultural exchanges, sister-city partnerships, and industrial collaboration. 

Ambassador Jia Guide praised Nanjing’s proactive role in bilateral cooperation and stated that Nanjing is a key city for China's opening-up and economic cooperation with Italy, and he is willing to facilitate further cooperation.

45 years ago, Nanjing and Florence became the first sister cities between Jiangsu and Europe. On March 3rd, Florence's Mayor Sara Funaro welcomed the delegation at the city hall. Two cities reaffirmed their commitment to cultural and economic synergy and agreed to expand cooperation in digital cultural preservation and youth exchanges.

At Sino-Italian Design Exchange Center, Zhou Hongbo joined representatives from the Florence municipal government and the Italian Craftsmen and SME Association for Nanjing-Florence Cultural Industry Exchange Conference and the 45th Anniversary Celebration of Nanjing-Florence Friendship.

Zhou noted that the two cities have similarities and complementarities in culture and creative economy, and are well-positioned to promote Sino-Italian cultural exchanges and enhance cultural vitality. During the event, a landmark collaboration project, Shared Heritage, Shared World, was launched to promote joint cultural heritage conservation. Agreements were signed with institutions including the Florence Biennale and the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino to foster artistic exchanges and historical site preservation.

Zhou Hongbo also met with Consul General Yin Qi of the Chinese Consulate-General in Florence to discuss building cooperation platforms and promoting pragmatic exchanges between the two sister cities.

In Milan, one of Europe's four major industrial centers and a leader in technological innovation and emerging industries, the delegation hosted a cooperation exchange meeting for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) on March 4th, which was well-received by Italian political and business circles. Deputy Mayor of Milan Anna Scavuzzo and industry leaders attended the event.

Zhou Hongbo introduced Nanjing's unique charm and its advantageous industries and outlined a four-pillar roadmap for collaboration, including: 1) Industrial Synergy: aligning Made in Italy expertise with Nanjing’s manufacturing strengths; 2) Tech Integration: Merging Italian R&D with Nanjing’s production capabilities; 3) Green Transition: Partnering on sustainable manufacturing and carbon reduction; and 4) Cultural Dialogue: Enhancing mutual understanding through people-to-people exchanges. 

Zhou Hongbo also met with executives from Marposs Group, Brembo Group, and Figeac Aéro, discussing expanding investments and joint innovation projects in Nanjing, and witnessing the signing of cooperation agreements. 

Zhou Hongbo remarked that many Italian companies are “Single Champions” in key areas of the global industrial chain. He pledged to bolster a business-friendly environment, leveraging the city’s talent and industrial advantages to support Italian firms in the Chinese market for mutual benefits.