China vows to bolster cooperation with Italy

PALERMO, Italy - China's top political advisor has pledged to boost China-Italy cooperation in various fields and push bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership to a new level.

Jia Qinglin, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), has made the remarks during his official goodwill visit to Italy which started on Nov 27.

During his visit, Jia met with Enrico Rossi, governor of the Tuscany region, and Rosario Crocetta, governor of the Sicily region, on Nov 30 and Dec 1, respectively.

While meeting with Rossi, Jia said the Tuscany region, which boasts competitive edge in agriculture, light industry and tourism in global market, has maintained close and friendly exchanges and cooperation with many provinces and cities in China.

Jia expressed the hope that the region could play a leading role in the friendly cooperation between China and Italy, and broaden its areas of cooperation with Chinese provinces and cities.

Rossi said that the economic link between the Tuscany region and China ?is becoming ever closer and the region hopes to continue strengthening its cooperation with China in such fields as manufacture, investment, tourism and health.

The governor said the region is also willing to provide convenience for investment from Chinese enterprises.

While meeting with Crocetta, Jia said the cooperation potential between China and the Sicily island is huge, especially in the areas of tourism, renewable energy, agriculture, animal husbandry and shipping.

China has a huge market which will bring valuable opportunities for many small and medium-sized enterprises in the Sicily island, he said.

The Chinese government will continue to encourage its cities and provinces to intensify cooperation in various fields with the Sicily island, Jia said, adding the cooperation between them has a huge potential and a promising prospect.

Crocetta, for his part, spoke highly of China's achievements in its economic growth and social development, saying that Italy regards China's development as an opportunity and hopes to learn from its development experience.

He added that the Sicily region is willing to promote its economic and trade ties with China, and boost bilateral cooperation and two-way investment in areas such as infrastructure, aviation and industry.

Jia arrived in Italy on Nov 27, the first leg of Jia's three-nation tour which will also take him to Costa Rica and Argentina.