In an exclusive interview before Italian President Ciampi's visit to China Mr. Luca Cordero Di Montezemolo, President of Confindustria told reporters that he regarded the take-off of the Chinese economy as opportunities of cooperation between the businesses from China and his country.

He said the Made in Italy in China Forum to be held in Shanghai on December 8-9 was devised to be a bridge between Chinese and Italian businesses which would channel more Italian investment in China.

Mr. Montezemolo, 57 years old, is Chairman of Fiat Group, the largest private enterprise in Italy, and CEO of Ferrari. He was very happy to recall his China experience which started from 1970s. He was deeply impressed with evolution of China's economy and society.

He expressed his willingness to make his contribution to promote the cooperation between Chinese and Italian enterprises, as well as the exchanges in culture and tourism between the two countries.

He specially mentioned his wish that more Chinese students study in his country and Italy be a main destination for European trips of Chinese travelers.

He always recognizes the Chinese market the hope of growth of Italian companies. He sees cooperative potential in fashion, machine manufacturing, machine tools and design. He thinks businesses from the two countries can join hands to incorporate joint ventures to expand cooperation on some tech-intensive sectors, such as autos.

The Confindustria is the largest association for enterprises in Italy with 111,000 members which employ 4.2 million staffs. Mr. Montezemolo thinks the participation of Italian enterprises into the Chinese market is far from enough. Confiindustria is ready to help to improve the communication and exchanges between Chinese and Italian companies. They will make efforts on not only helping Italian products strengthen their presence in China, but also encouraging Italian investment in China market.

He revealed that President Ciampi would be present at the Made in Italy in China Forum in Shanghai during his stay in China. The delegation of President Ciampi's Shanghai tour will inclue Mr. Montezemolo, Italian Industry Minister Antonio Marzano, Chairman of Italian Institute for Foreign Trade Beniamino Quinteri, as well as chairmen of associations for Italian various industries of fashion, furniture, service, machines and food. Enterprises to attend the forum represent the essence of Italian manufacturing.

Mr. Montezemolo regarded this event as an important stage for Italian products to present their image in China in a bid to tap the market and seek for partners. It is a symbol of closer economic relations between China and Italy.

More than 90 percent of Italian enterprises are in small and medium size which have long been the pillar of Italian exports. Mr. Montezemolo recognized that these companies were facing challenges in recent years due to their size and economic globalization. These Italian companies need collaboration with other partners to get more competitive on China market which has a population of 1.3 billion.

Mr. Montezemolo stressed that a teamwork with the participation of associations of entrepreneurs and industrialists, overseas resident institutions, chamber of commerce, foreign trade institute and the government would be necessary to help Italian businesses go international.

He hopes diversified channels would be in place to offer safer financial support through an efficient financial system so that Italian enterprises would have more chances on the world market including China.

By People's Daily Online