Li Hongzhi, deputy director of the Foreign Affairs Office of the People's Government of Guangdong Province, attended the 2026 Italy Spring Gala Dinner in Guangzhou on March 28.

Hosted by the China-Italy Chamber of Commerce, with support from the Consulate General of Italy in Guangzhou, the event brought together government and business representatives to discuss future cooperation.

Li said China and Italy enjoy longstanding ties, while Guangdong, as a key starting point of the Maritime Silk Road and a pioneer in reform and opening-up, has built a solid foundation for cooperation with Italy. He noted that economic and broader ties have continued to deepen.

Li speaks at the 2026 Italy Spring Gala Dinner in Guangzhou on March 28. [Photo provided to gdfao.gov.cn]

Li added that 2026 marks the opening year of China's 15th Five-Year Plan period (2021-25), while Guangdong will also host major APEC events during China's APEC year, creating new opportunities for bilateral cooperation. He said Guangdong is ready to expand practical cooperation with Italy in artificial intelligence, industrial innovation and other fields.

Italian Ambassador to China Massimo Ambrosetti said Italy hopes to deepen cooperation with Guangdong in both traditional and emerging industries.