Liu Chuanzhi and Ma Weihua receive Italian high decoration

Beijing - Liu Chuanzhi, founder of Lenovo, the Chinese giant in the production of personal computers, was awarded together with Ma Weihua, former China Merchants Bank CEO, the Italian honorary decoration of 'Commendatore dell'Ordine della Stella d'Italia'. The two businessmen, among the most influential in China, received the high decoration from the President of the Italian Republic, Sergio Mattarella, during his first state visit to China.

The ceremony was hosted by the Italian Ambassador, Ettore Sequi, on the diplomatic mission's premises the same day as President Mattarella's arrival in Beijing. The President's visit to China will also include visits to Shanghai, Chongqing, and Xi'an. Ambassador Sequi underlined that the 'Commendatore' decorations awarded to Liu Chuanzhi and Ma Wehua, respectively the Chairman and President of the China Entrepreneur Club (CEC), a major Chinese business association, acknowledge the exceptional expressions of friendship Ma and Li have always shown for Italy.

"The honorary decorations are also an important tool to promote stronger bilateral relations, which are being highlighted by President Mattarella's state visit to China," said Ambassador Sequi. Liu Chuanzhi and Ma Weihua strongly supported the organisation of CEC's mission to Italy in October 2015. On that occasion, a large delegation of Chinese entrepreneurs and executives from the country's major private companies travelled to Italy to expand business opportunities and lay the basis for further enhancement of the economic and trade relations between Italy and China. During the visit, the CEC delegation was welcomed by the Prime Minister and the Minister of Foreign Affairs. They also had the opportunity to visit several Italian enterprises across the country