China-Europe

Italian Prime Minister Meloni’s Visit to China: A New Path of Environmental Cooperation

推动可持续发展:梅洛尼总理访华对环境的影响

Driving Sustainable Progress: The Environmental Impact of Premier Meloni’s China Visit

意大利总理焦尔吉娅·梅洛尼将于上周六至7月31日对中国进行访问。与此同时,两国商界代表对加强双边经贸关系越来越乐观。在访问期间,还举办了第七届中意商业论坛,由活跃在所有重要工业和服务领域的中意企业组成的庞大代表团参加了论坛。中国巨大的市场潜力以及强大的制造业和创新能力所带来的机遇,推动了人们对此次访问的热情。意大利企业界将此访视为深化两国关系、探索合作新途径的战略机遇。

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s visit to China, from last Saturday to July 31st, comes amid growing optimism among both countries business representatives for bolstering bilateral economic and trade relations. Along the mission it was hold the seventh edition of the China-Italy Business Forum with the participation of a large delegation of Italian and Chinese companies active in all the most important industry and service sectors. The enthusiasm surrounding this trip is driven by the opportunities presented by China’s vast market potential and its robust manufacturing and innovative capabilities. Italian businesses see this visit as a strategic moment to forge deeper ties and explore new avenues for cooperation.

Source: Xinhuanet

图片来源:新华网

梅洛尼总理在商业论坛上发表讲话时强调,“意大利当然愿意倾听那些希望生产、投资、分享新工业空间、创造就业和财富的人的声音,就像我们的企业家在国外一直做的那样。”企业、人力资源和地方之间的联系一直是我们成功的关键。今天,我们正在努力确保意大利成为全球企业日益具有竞争力、公平和吸引力的目的地,我们签署的工业合作谅解备忘录是朝着这个方向迈出的非常重要的一步。现在,这包括电动汽车和可再生能源等战略性工业领域,中国长期以来一直在这些领域致力于技术前沿,这不可避免地要求中国作为一个完全发达的经济体,与合作伙伴分享新的知识前沿。我们的经济实力雄厚,在欧洲和地中海地区具有战略地位。我们的优势领域一直是高水平的研究和创新以及强大的制造系统”。

In her address at the Business Forum, Premier Meloni stressed that “Italy of course remains willing to listen to those wanting to produce, invest, share new industrial spaces and create jobs and wealth, just as our entrepreneurs have always done abroad. The connection between businesses, human resources and local areas has always been the key to our success. Today, we are working to ensure Italy is an increasingly competitive, fair and attractive destination for global enterprises, and the memorandum of understanding on industrial collaboration we have signed is a very significant step in this direction. This now includes strategic industrial sectors such as electric mobility and renewables, which are also sectors in which China has been working on the cutting edge of technology for a long time, inevitably requiring it to act as a fully developed economy, as indeed it is, sharing new frontiers of knowledge also with partners. We are a solid economy, with a strategic positioning in Europe and in the Mediterranean. Our areas of excellence have always been our high level of research and innovation and the strength of our manufacturing system.”

梅洛尼总理的中国之行预计将对两国的环保领域产生重大影响。访问期间,双方签署了《中意加强全球战略伙伴关系行动计划(2024-2027)。该框架计划强调了中意企业在多个领域开展合作、形成协同伙伴关系的潜力。这些合作可以帮助两国实现高科技环境设备的宏伟目标,并开发创新的解决方案,从而产生共同的商业利益。这种伙伴关系还可以扩大到针对第三市场,从而扩大它们在应对全球环境挑战方面的影响力和效力。中意双方可以通过合作,在加强环境保护、提高可持续性、推广绿色技术等方面发挥各自优势。这次访问尤其重要,因为它突出了通过加强与中国的合作来加强中欧关系的潜力。

Premier Meloni’s mission to China is expected to have a substantial impact on the environmental sector between the two countries. Along the visit it was signed the “Action Plan for Strengthening the China-Italy Global Strategic Partnership (2024-2027)”.This framework plan emphasizes the potential for Chinese and Italian companies to develop cooperation in several sectors and form synergistic partnerships. These collaborations can yield mutual business benefits by helping both countries meet ambitious targets for high-tech environmental equipment and develop innovative solutions. The partnership can also extend to targeting third markets, thereby expanding their influence and effectiveness in addressing global environmental challenges. By working together, China and Italy can leverage each other’s strengths to enhance environmental protection, improve sustainability, and promote green technologies. This visit is particularly significant as it highlights the potential for strengthened China- EU relations through increased collaboration with China.

气候变化和能源转型是中意两国合作的重点领域。两国都致力于应对气候变化,并将能源转型视为实现这一目标的关键途径。合作可以集中在几个方面,包括开发可再生能源、提高能源效率和实施可持续做法。通过汇集资源和专业知识,中意两国可以推动清洁能源技术和政策框架取得重大进展。这一合作不仅有助于实现各自的气候目标,也为国际社会应对气候变化树立了强有力的榜样。这种伙伴关系可以促进知识和技术的交流,从而在全球范围内为能源转型提供更有效和可扩展的解决方案。

Climate change and energy transition are highlighted as key areas for cooperation between China and Italy. Both countries are committed to tackling climate change and see energy transition as a crucial pathway to achieving this goal. The collaboration can focus on several fronts, including the development of renewable energy sources, improvement of energy efficiency, and implementation of sustainable practices. By pooling their resources and expertise, China and Italy can drive significant advancements in clean energy technologies and policy frameworks. This cooperation not only aids in meeting their respective climate goals but also sets a strong example for international efforts to combat climate change. The partnership can facilitate the exchange of knowledge and technology, leading to more effective and scalable solutions for energy transition on a global scale.

在本周的时事通讯中,我们邀请到了仲欧脱碳科技 (成都)首席执行官Massimo Bagnasco,分享了他对意大利总理焦尔吉娅·梅洛尼访华的看法以及对环境领域的预期影响。

For this week’s newsletter, we have invited Massimo Bagnasco, CEO of China Europe Carbon Neutral Technology (Chengdu), to share his insights on Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s visit to China and its anticipated impact on the environmental sector.

您如何看待梅洛尼总理此次访问对中意关系的重要性?

How do you view the importance of Prime Minister Meloni’s visit for Italy-China relations?

像意大利总理这样的高层访问对于支持中意贸易关系的发展至关重要。我们很高兴参加总理访华期间组织的各种活动。其中包括与高级政府代表会面、与当地的意大利商业协会交流,以及与意大利行业协会举行视频会议,以联系尚未进入中国的意大利公司。中国和意大利都是文明古国,在各个领域保持着密切的高层互动,并在互利合作中取得了实际成果。

High-level visits, such as the Italian Prime Minister’s, are vital for supporting the development of China-Italy trade ties. We are pleased to participate in various activities organized during the Prime Minister’s mission to China. These include, among the many, meetings with high-level government representatives, locally based Italian business associations, and a video conference with the Italian industry association to connect Italian companies not yet in China. China and Italy are both countries with ancient civilizations and have maintained close high-level interaction and achieved practical results in mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields.

2024 年是中意全面战略伙伴关系建立 20 周年。今年也是马可·波罗逝世 700 周年。马可·波罗和利玛窦都是意大利人,他们是浮雕中仅有的两位外国人物,展现了在中国历史上留下印记、在连接中国与西方世界方面发挥关键作用的历史人物形象。此次访问之前,已有包括副总理兼外交部长塔亚尼(Tajiani)以及就在几周前的企业和“意大利制造”部长乌尔索(Urso)等的几次高层访问。此外,意大利共和国总统马塔雷拉(Mattarella)可能在年底前进行访问。

2024 marks the 20th anniversary of China-Italy comprehensive strategic partnership. This year also marks the 700th anniversary of Marco Polo’s death. Marco Polo and also Matteo Ricci, both Italian, are the only two foreign figures present in the low relief which shows the historical profiles who marked China history and played a crucial role in connecting China with the Western world. This visit follows several high-level missions, such as those by Vice Premier and Minister of Foreign Affairs Tajiani, and, just a few weeks ago, the Minister of Enterprises and Made in Italy, Urso. Additionally, there is a potential visit by the President of the Italian Republic, Mattarella, before the end of the year.

您预见到此次访问会带来哪些具体的经济机会,特别是在绿色技术方面?

What specific economic opportunities do you foresee emerging from this visit, particularly in green technology?

疫情期间显然在各国之间的交流中造成了距离。然而,在 2024 年,也得益于两周免签政策,我看到意大利公司和企业家对前往中国的兴趣和好奇心重新燃起。在这方面,文化在重新点燃交流方面发挥了非常重要的作用。中国和意大利都是全球文化大国这一事实促进了这一进程。从文化交流中,我现在看到了更多的商业交流。由于意大利外交代表和商业协会所做的工作,中国公司更加了解意大利在制造业、汽车和绿色技术等领域的卓越表现。我相信后者,与气候变化有关,将是一个我们可以实现巨大协同效应的领域。

The pandemic period obviously created a distance in the exchange between all the countries. However, in 2024, thanks also to the two-week free visa policy, I have seen renewed interest and curiosity from Italian companies and entrepreneurs in traveling to China. In this regard, culture has played a very important role in rekindling exchanges. The fact that China and Italy are both global cultural superpowers has facilitated this process. From cultural exchange, I now see more business exchange. Thanks to the work done by the Italian diplomatic representatives and business associations, Chinese companies have become more aware of Italy’s excellence in sectors such as manufacturing, automotive, and green technology. I believe the latter, related to climate change, will be a sector where we could achieve great synergies.

意大利的创新战略和解决方案与中国在技术和供应链方面的强劲发展相结合,如果能在正确的框架和公平的原则下发展,就能实现互利共赢。中国市场非常重要,不仅因其规模,还因为它是最新上市解决方案的独特试验场。所有行业的公司都应该在中国有业务,以直接体验市场发展并第一手抓住变化。如果他们无法亲自到场,他们应该依靠在中国当地的最佳专业顾问,为他们提供关键信息,以制定受中国影响的全球商业和贸易战略。中国和意大利企业可以建立协同合作关系,互惠互利,以满足高科技设备的高要求目标,开发新的创新解决方案,甚至共同瞄准第三市场。

Italian innovative strategies and solutions, combined with China’s strong development in technology and supply chain, can be mutually beneficial if developed under the correct frameworks and fair principles. The Chinese market is very important, not just for its size but also because it serves as a unique testing ground for the latest go-to-market solutions. Companies in all sectors should have a presence in China to directly experience market development and catch changes firsthand. If they can’t be present, they should rely on the best professional advisors locally based in China to provide them with crucial information for drafting worldwide business and trade strategies influenced by China. Chinese and Italian companies can forge synergistic partnerships, yielding mutual business advantages, with the objective of meeting the demanding targets for high-tech equipment, develop new innovative solutions and even jointly target third markets.

梅洛尼总理出席了中意商业论坛,该论坛涉及汽车和绿色技术等领域。您对这个论坛在具体成果或合作伙伴关系方面有什么期望?

Premier Meloni attended the Italy-China Business Forum which addressed sectors like automotive and green technology. What are your expectations from this Forum in terms of concrete outcomes or partnerships?

我的期望是,此次访问将确定某些领域框架合作的指导方针,并为相关公司进一步实施制定路线图。这些期望既涉及投资也涉及贸易。双方商定了一个三年计划,以启动新的合作模式,这符合我的个人期望。

My expectation is that the visit will confirm the guidelines for a framework cooperation in certain sectors and establish a roadmap for further implementation by relevant companies. These expectations pertain to both investment and trade. A three-year plan was agreed between the two parties to start new cooperation models which is aligned with my personal expectation.

具体与我的业务部门相关,我希望有一个关于以下方面的合作计划:

Specifically related to my operational sectors, I hope there will be a cooperation plan regarding:

  • 改造建筑部门的举措,这是目前中国的一个关键问题。重点可以放在从能源效率、先进设备技术、可持续材料以及旨在减少碳足迹的创新设计和工程解决方案方面改进现有建筑存量。
  • Initiatives to revamp the construction sector, which is currently a key issue in China. The focus could be on improving the existing building stock in terms of energy efficiency, advanced equipment technology, sustainable materials, and innovative design and engineering solutions aimed at reducing the carbon footprint.
  • 从更广泛的意义上讲,实现碳中和需要一个涉及所有利益相关者和部门的整体方法。我希望中意双方能够达成一致,共同提出碳中和城市/地区模式的倡议。这将为重振成都天府新区中意文化创新区的发展提供契机,该项目由习近平主席和马塔雷拉总统共同批准,受到了大流行病危机的影响。
  • On a broader scale, achieving carbon neutrality requires a holistic approach involving all stakeholders and sectors. I hope there will be an agreement to develop a joint Sino-Italian initiative for a carbon-neutral city/district model. This could present an opportunity to revitalize the development of the Sino-Italian Culture and Innovation District in Chengdu Tianfu New Area, a joint project endorsed by President Xi Jinping and President Mattarella, which was impacted by the pandemic crisis.

在全面战略伙伴关系的框架下,此次访问将是巩固传统友谊、增进理解与信任、深化务实合作以及人文交流的机会,推动中意关系和中欧关系的稳定和长期发展。

In alignment with the comprehensive strategic partnership, this visit will be the opportunity to consolidate traditional friendship, enhance understanding and trust, deepen practical cooperation and people-to-people and cultural exchanges, promote the steady and long-term development of China-Italy relations and China-EU relations.

您认为中意深化经贸合作将如何为中欧整体经贸关系做出贡献?

How do you think deepening economic and trade cooperation between China and Italy will contribute to the overall economic and trade relations between China and Europe?

意大利是欧盟的创始成员国,在欧盟内部发挥着重要作用。因此,中意深化贸易合作对中欧关系也具有更广泛的益处。中欧在气候变化问题上已经建立了对话机制,这是全球的首要任务之一。最近,通过关于循环经济的备忘录和新的行动路线图,这种合作得到了加强。

Italy is a founding member of the European Union and plays an important role within the Union. Therefore, deepening trade cooperation between China and Italy will also have broader benefits for China-Europe relations. Europe and China have an established dialogue on climate change, which is one of the world’s top priorities. Recently, this cooperation was reinforced with a memorandum on circular economy and a new roadmap for actions.

欧洲的“绿色协议”和中国的“双碳目标”战略都旨在各自区域实现脱碳。鉴于这一挑战的规模和有限的时间,合作与协同至关重要。以中欧地理标志协定为例,农业和食品领域是另一个关键的合作领域。增加投资对两个地区都至关重要,我一直主张开放市场和公平竞争环境,希望进一步改善并实现更平衡的贸易交流。

The European “Green Deal” and China’s “Dual Carbon Goal” strategies both aim to decarbonize their respective regions. Given the scale of this challenge and the limited time, cooperation and synergies are fundamental. Agriculture and food sectors, exemplified by the EU-China Geographic Indication agreement, represent another key area of collaboration. Increasing investment is crucial for both regions, and I continue to advocate for open markets and a level playing field, hoping for further improvements and a better-balanced trade exchange.

最近,中共二十届三中全会召开。虽然最终的公报没有提供详细的政策变化,但令人鼓舞的是,中国领导层表示有意深化改革,以营造更公平、更有活力的市场环境,并对私营部门给予了具体支持。中国目前正处于转型期,面临着其他国家在发展过程中也遇到过的挑战。我相信,中国将通过坚持创新之路、致力于进一步开放、国有企业和私营部门之间的公平竞争以及国际合作,成功克服这些挑战。

Recently, the CCP’s 20th Central Committee Third Plenum was held. Although the final communique did not provide detailed policy changes, it is encouraging that China’s leadership expressed its intent to deepen reforms to create a fairer and more dynamic market environment, with specific support for the private sector. China is currently in a transition period, facing the challenges that also other countries have encountered during their development. I am confident that China will successfully overcome these challenges by maintaining its path towards innovation, commitment to further opening up, fair competition between state-owned and private sectors, and international cooperation.

我对进一步合作的信心可以从 2022 年在疫情危机期间成立的仲欧脱碳科技(CNEUCN)得到证明。CNEUCN 是一家致力于支持并为中欧实现碳中和之路做出重大贡献的公司。我们的方法是全面和包容的,汇集了来自学术界和业界的利益相关者,为每个挑战制定量身定制的解决方案。

My confidence for the further cooperation is evidenced by the establishment of China Europe Carbon Neutral (CNEUCN) which happened just in 2022., along the pandemic crisis. CNEUCN is a firm dedicated to supporting and significantly contributing to the path towards carbon neutrality in both China and Europe. Our approach is holistic and inclusive, gathering stakeholders from academia and the industry to create tailored solutions for each challenge.

这家新公司旨在促进国际合作、投资和交流,在提供服务以构思、设计和实现实现碳中和所需的转型方面发挥积极和创新的作用。

This new company aims to facilitate international cooperation, investment, and exchange, playing an active and innovative role in providing services to conceive, design, and accomplish the transitions needed to achieve carbon neutrality.

CNEUCN 凭借其连接中欧的独特地位,在两个地区都有实际存在以及宝贵的专家和商业伙伴群体,为确保成功进入市场和扩张提供了宝贵的见解和帮助。凭借良好的业绩记录和对两个市场的深刻理解,CNEUCN 是寻求跨境业务和贸易蓬勃发展的公司的首选合作伙伴。我们与合作伙伴一起促进合作与伙伴关系!

CNEUCN, with its unique position bridging China and Europe, by a physical presence in both regions and the valuable group of experts and business partners, offers invaluable insights and assistance to ensure successful market entry and expansion. With a proven track record and a deep understanding of both markets, CNEUCN is the partner of choice for companies looking to thrive cross border business and trade. Together with our partners we facilitate cooperation and partnership!