Italian PM Giorgia Meloni Aims to Rekindle Trade Ties with China

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni visited Beijing to relaunch cooperation with China, signing a three-year action plan. The trip focused on industrial cooperation in sectors like electric mobility and renewables, and aimed to address misunderstandings following Italy's exit from the Belt and Road Initiative.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni pledged on Sunday to revive cooperation with China, signing a three-year action plan during her initial official visit to Beijing since assuming office. Meloni, leading a right-wing administration since 2022, announced this during a meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang, as Rome seeks to enhance trade ties after exiting President Xi Jinping's Belt and Road infrastructure investment scheme last year.

The Italian leader stated that her five-day trip reflected the intention to begin a new phase in bilateral cooperation. The action plan aims to explore new forms of collaboration, she added. Later, Meloni noted that an industrial cooperation memorandum between Italy and China featured strategic sectors such as electric mobility and renewables.

During a business forum attended by notable Italian companies like Pirelli and Dolce & Gabbana, Meloni hinted at tackling issues like Chinese overcapacity and economic support for Russia in the Ukraine conflict. Chinese Premier Li Qiang emphasized win-win cooperation and increasing trade and investment, making it more dynamic and sustainable.

(With inputs from agencies.)