Italy guest of honour at Shanghai technology fair

(AGI) Rome, April 18 - Italy wants to set up "an integrated system from an economic, cultural, scientific and technological standpoint, capable of ensuring access to companies in complex, albeit, extraordinarily important markets such as China's". This was stressed by the director general of the Farnesina's (Italy's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation) directorate for Italy's cultural, economic and innovation system, Vincenzo De Luca, on the eve of China's Shanghai International Fair. He underlined the importance of "networking and creating events to promote and support SMEs which cannot penetrate foreign markets alone". He went on: "China is very interested in Italy and we often cannot meet their needs. That is why we are developing a full scope promotion of Italy's industry, culture, technology and science. Our country expresses a great scientific and technological innovation potential and has great traditions." He also stressed the importance of food production, mechanics, fashion and interior design. "Italy will be the guest of honour at the fourth Shanghai fair, and we will bring in technological solutions to meet the challenges of smart cities, sustainable mobility, environment, waste cycles and water supply. Italy is among the leading European countries in the field of smart cities, accounting for 655 million euros of investment. Milan's Expo was the biggest integrated promotion showcase ever and we are keen on participating in large interantional fairs," he said. He also promoted the International Furniture Expo in Shanghai from Nov. 19 to 21. (AGI). .