Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio called for more business cooperation between China and Italy, and between Asia and Europe, at the opening ceremony of the second China International Import Expo (CIIE) on Tuesday.

China has made tremendous progress over the 40 years of reform and opening-up. As an important partner, China is Italy's fifth largest trade partner, said Di Maio. 

During Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit to Italy in March this year, Italy and China signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to jointly advance the construction of the Belt and Road, said Di Maio.

This year marks the 15th anniversary of the China-Italy comprehensive strategic partnership, and next year will be the 50th anniversary of China-Italy diplomatic relations. 

Italy is willing to enhance cooperation in more fields with China under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), said Di Maio, adding that the country greatly welcomes more Chinese tourists as 2020 will also be the Year of Culture and Tourism for Italy and China.

Italy will continue to work with China both within the global strategic partnership and within the framework of EU to promote liberalization in trade and investment.

As a guest country of honor of the second CIIE, Italy is seizing new opportunities with over 160 Italian exhibitors participating in the event. Di Maio said the expo demonstrates enormous opportunities for international trade and exchanges and provides new opportunities in high-tech and innovation cooperation. 

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with Di Maio on Monday. Wang said that China is ready to work with Italy to promote deeper cooperation in jointly building the BRI.

Di Maio said Italy will continue to provide an open, fair and non-discriminatory environment for business cooperation, and play a positive role in promoting the healthy development of Europe-China relations.