BPAFFC welcomes visiting delegation of Italian OBOR Institute

At the invitation of the BPAFFC, a five-member delegation of the Italian OBOR Institute led by Prof. Michele De Gasperis, its President, visited Beijing from September 9 to 13.

Wang Yu, Party Secretary and Executive Vice President of the BPAFFC, met with the delegation on September 11. He gave a brief introduction to Beijing’s history and culture, and highlighted its achievements in scientific and technological innovation and ecological conservation, as well as its plans for promoting high-standard opening up during the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026 to 2030). Wang also reviewed the history of friendly exchanges between China and Italy and the engagement with Italian friendship organizations. He put forward cooperation proposals in four key areas: people-to-people exchanges, pragmatic cooperation, cultural exchanges, and youth friendship. He looked forward to strengthening connections with the Italian OBOR Institute and together contributing to the China-Italy comprehensive strategic partnership.

Prof. Michele De Gasperis thanked the BPAFFC for its thoughtful arrangements, and introduced the basic functions of the Italian OBOR Institute and its cooperation with relevant Chinese agencies. He responded positively to promoting exchanges in youth, arts, and economic and trade sectors, and expressed strong interest in strengthening cooperation in the fields of artificial intelligence and new energy. The president wished to take this meeting as a new starting point to work closely with the BPAFFC and together build a bridge of friendly exchanges between the two regions.

Facilitated by the BPAFFC, the delegation visited Haidian District, Xicheng District, and Beijing E-town. They took a tour of leading technology company Velobotics, Daji Xiang Commercial Area, and Mall of Robot, and held an exchange of views on economic cooperation, trade, and scientific and technological cooperation. The delegation also attended the 2026 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS). Prof. Michele De Gasperis spoke at the Promotion Conference on the Program for International Empowerment of Rural Tourism, and signed a cooperation agreement with Beijing Capital Group Exhibitions & Events (BCGEE) on future participation in the CIFTIS.