Italy puts the spotlight of food and tourism in bid to promote trade links with China

Italy will continue to promote trade and tourism with mainland China and Hong Kong regardless of the outcome of the referendum result this Sunday, according to Antonello De Riu, Consul General of Italy in Hong Kong and Macau.

“China is a major trading partner with Italy while Hong Kong is acting as a stepping stone for many Italian companies exporting goods or doing businesses in mainland China. The trade relationship between Italy and China and Hong Kong is for the long term and would not be affected by the referendum result or other political events,” De Riu said.

De Riu made the comments at a media briefing to promote Fico Eataly World, a project to heighten awareness of opportunities for food tourism to Bologna, Italy in the second half of next year. The project is intended to promote 6 million visitors a year.

Italy on Sunday will hold a national referendum on whether to support Prime Minister Matteo Renzi’s political reforms.

At present, bills put forward by lawmakers need to be approved by both the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate before they can become law. The referendum on December 4 will allow the Italian public to decide whether they want to stick with the current legislative procedure or opt for a restructuring that would effectively reduce the second chamber’s power.

De Riu said the referendum may help speed up future reforms and would not affect Italy’s trade relationship with China. However, financial analysts warn of political uncertainty ahead after the vote.