Italy's reputation for quality goods gaining ground in China

"Made in Italy" has always had two advantages in markets around the world, including China.

First, Italy's machinery and technology is sought after mainly by small and medium-sized enterprises. SME's that have been able to remain flexible and adapt to customers' requirements have reached a pivotal point compared to companies in other countries.

This flexibility has been much appreciated in the last three decades in China, when Italy rose to rank among the top suppliers of lightweight technology in textile machinery, tanneries, packaging, ceramics, plastics, wood, glass and machine tools — sectors that have allowed China to evolve in recent decades to become the world's leading manufacturer.

Capital goods and machinery in fact account for almost 30 percent of Italian supplies to China.

Second, Italy's consumer goods have made the country famous worldwide for their high quality. In Italy, we call them the "4 F's": food, furniture, fashion and … fun (or Ferrari).

A growing number of Chinese are becoming aware that Italy is the world's biggest producer of fine wine, design and décor. The Italian lifestyle in China is becoming synonymous with exclusivity, creativity and good living.

For this reason, and due to the safety of its products, Italy will continue to be an excellent partner for China throughout the 13th Five-Year Plan period (2016-20), providing Chinese consumers with safe, beautiful and well-made products.

Last year, Italian furniture exports grew by 17 percent, while Italian wine exports to China grew by 32 percent, two times the international average.

The author is the director of the Italian Trade Commission in China.