We begin with diplomacy. Chinese President Xi Jinping will begin his first overseas trip of the year today. He will start in Rome, then head to Monaco and France. During his time in Italy, President Xi will meet with Italian President Sergio Mattarella, Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte and other political leaders. The two sides are also set to sign cooperation agreements to boost cultural and trade ties. Discussion of how to generate tangible benefits to the people within the Belt and Road framework will also be on the table. CGTN's Michal Bardavid reports from Rome in Italy.

Chinese President Xi Jinping's two-day official visit in Rome and Sicily may be a turning point not only for Italy but for the region as a whole in the years to come, as Rome is set to sign a memorandum of understanding to endorse China's Belt and Road Initiative "BRI".

For China – a new gateway to European markets; for Italy - a multi-billion dollar investment.

But there are some critics. The Italian Democratic opposition party have voiced concern of potential future debts and repercussions. While western allies are worried of the influence and power China might gain in the region.

However, Italy's Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte stood firm and repeatedly stated that the agreements would be beneficial for Italy.

GIUSEPPE CONTE ITALIAN PRIME MINISTER "Obviously, the Chinese economy is a huge economy with huge potential even for Italian companies and as a government, we believe that joining the BRI is important also because as a geographical location Italy is the natural terminal of the BRI."

Chinese President Xi shared the sentiment. Prior to his arrival, an article signed by Xi was published in the Italian daily newspaper Corriere della Sera. Xi stressed the visit would mark the beginning of a new era for Chinese-Italian ties with a strengthened comprehensive strategic partnership.

MICHAL BARDAVID ROME, ITALY "Leaders of both countries have emphasized that increasing cooperation between China and Italy would create win-win opportunities for businesses of both sides. There are many industries that are open for collaboration such as logistics, infrastructure, energy, telecommunications and medicine."

Some analysts point out that the two countries also share many common values.

MATTEO GIULIANO CAROLI ECONOMICS PROFESSOR "We share a strong commitment to environment, and you know green economy is developing a lot in Italy and it's an important industry, it's becoming an important industry, and we know that China is becoming more and more concerned to the environmental development and to find ways to develop the economy to increase in a sustainable way."

Potential Chinese investments in Italian ports have also created a stir in Italy with the Chinese President set to visit Sicily on Saturday signaling an agreement regarding ports may be on the table. Michal Bardavid, CGTN, Rome.