'Made in Italy' push going eastward

Italy and China recently agreed to enhance cooperation in such fields as green development, agriculture and food security, sustainable urbanization and health services. Those sectors represent development priorities for China and also are strategic areas in which Italian companies have comparative advantages and can provide innovative technologies and know-how.

Grandi Salumifici Italiani Group, a leader in the Italian food industry and processed meats market, has increased its turnover tenfold to more than 600 million euros ($811 million) since entering China's market in 1994.

"We considered China a concrete growth opportunity, and we have done well," said Helmuth Senfter, president of the group's company in China, which today produces an "Italian style for the niche market".

Echoing his words, Pasquale Forte, president of Eldor, an Italian leader in the automotive business, told the audience he was very satisfied with the company's choice to invest in China.

"Of course, there have been obstacles due to cultural differences between the two countries, which we have tried to overcome with more effective communication," he said.

But Forte was enthusiastic as he noted that Chinese employees at the group's new plant in Dalian, which started production a few months ago, are "highly qualified". Eventually, the plant will have more than 500 employees on eight production lines.

According to the Italy China Foundation, the organizer of Wednesday's conference, Italian investments in China last year amounted to $316 million, up nearly 29 percent compared with 2012.

Also last year, Italian exports to China posted 8.1 percent growth compared with 2012, the foundation said, citing data from the China General Administration of Customs.

"A common strategic vision for China characterizes the Italian companies that can tell success stories today," Italy China Foundation President Cesare Romiti said at the conference.

"We will continue to work to have many more positive examples," he added.