Chamber promotes range of commerce, cooperation

The China-Italy Chamber of Commerce (CICC) is a non-profit private association founded in 1991 and registered with the Chinese Ministry of Civil Affairs.

In 2000, it was recognized by the Italian government and now represents the Italian business community in China with both Chinese and Italian authorities.

Composed of private entrepreneurs, businesspeople and other professionals, the chamber is deeply rooted in business culture, but it also has a strong understanding of public needs.

It educates young professionals and assists small and medium-sized enterprises to pursue business opportunities with Italian counterparts through an integrated framework of all major Italian players in the Chinese market.

CICC is based in Beijing and has branches in Shanghai and Guangzhou.

It has widespread contacts and acts closely with the Italian diplomatic network, the Italian Trade Commission, the European Union Chamber of Commerce and other foreign chambers of commerce in China - as well as with Chinese governmental organizations and industrial associations - to provide the most effective and practical support to its members.

Chamber association

The CICC is a member of the Italian Assocamerestero network - the association of the Italian chambers of commerce abroad - providing services in information, education and promotion of business opportunities.

In 2010 the CICC had 724 enrolled members, provided services to 1,815 companies, trained 28 interns from Italian and Chinese universities, and organized more than 80 events and 17 business programs for various chambers of commerce of Italy.

The CICC issues a number of publications on a broad range of topics - 12 e-newsletters, two editions of the magazine Quaderno and two editions of the Economic Bulletin of the People's Republic of China.

This year it introduced CCICInforma, a collection of the most significant press articles about China and Italy released twice a week.

While CICC services are also available to non-members, members enjoy preferential rates and attention.

They have access to the latest news about fairs and exhibitions in China, lists of contacts for translators and business credit reports.

They can also receive visa services, obtain market research reports and information on various subjects and regulations.

Finally, members can also look for job opportunities on the CICC website.

Activities organized by the CICC have the core mission of promoting the "Made in Italy" brand and the dialog between Italian and Chinese counterparts.

2011 CCIC projects

The "Ospitalita' Italiana" certification of quality promoted by all Italian chambers for Italian restaurants overseas that meet the high standards required to make authentic Italian cuisine.

The effort is implemented in conjunction with the Italian ministries of foreign affairs, economic development, tourism, and food and agriculture, as well as Unioncamere - the Union of Italian chambers of commerce.

The "Premio Panda d'Oro - 2011 Edition" awards for Italian and Chinese companies that have made a significant contribution to bilateral economic relations.

It is organized in partnership with the China-Italy Foundation and of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Award winners will be chosen by a high-profile jury including Attilio Massimo Iannucci, Italy's ambassador to China, Antonino Laspina, director of the Italian Trade Commission in Beijing, Cesare Romiti, the president of the China-Italy Foundation, Franco Cutrupia, CICC chairman, and a representative of the Italian media.

Longest presence

The 2011 edition includes a special award celebrating the 150th anniversary of Italian unification, which will celebrate Italian companies with the longest presence in China.

The awards ceremony will be held in Shanghai on June 18.

"China-Italy Career Day" organized with the China-Italy Foundation to be held in November, which will bring together Chinese students and professionals, and Italian business representatives.

Held as China celebrates 2011 as the Year of Youth, the career day will be held by the CICC in cooperation with Chinese universities and various entities.

For further information, please contact Ms Elena Tosana, CICC secretary general, at info@cameraitacina.com or www.cameraitacina.com.