China and Italy to jointly promote the Belt and Road Initiative

The two parties had inked the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly promote the Belt and Road Initiative, including cooperation on trading, port development, tourism and other sectors.

Italy was the first G7 country to participate in China’s Belt and Road Initiative. Belt and Road projects have already been promoted to the shipping industry in the Mediterranean region, creating development opportunities for Italy's major ports.

The two sides will jointly promote globalisation and free trade based on the MoU, and are planning to strengthen the co-operation on port, logistics and shipping sector.

Xi encouraged the two countries to jointly build-up the Belt and Road and develop the northern ports in Italy. The two countries should optimise and upgrade their cooperation, and make more achievements in infrastructure construction, transport, environment, energy and other sector, Xi said.

Xi is on the visit to Italy, Monaco and France during 21-26 March.

The Belt and Road Initiative, is a development strategy initiated by China to enhance regional connection and cooperation. Over 150 countries are involved in the strategy now.