ROME, June 30 (Xinhua) -- Amid growing climate risks and global economic headwinds, Italy is seeking closer ties with China to advance its green transition, Andrea Appolloni, an Italian professor of management at the University of Rome Tor Vergata, told Xinhua recently.
"China's competitive advantage in clean energy, electric vehicles and green manufacturing offers solutions to Italy's sustainability push," he said, adding this could help fill critical technology gaps that Italy faces.
Appolloni explained that recent extreme heatwaves have strained Italy's agriculture, energy and infrastructure sectors. Consequently, businesses face rising costs and limited investment, while Europe's economic slowdown weakens external demand for Italian exports and squeezes funding for climate actions.
To tackle these challenges, Italy is deepening cooperation with China. Last year, the two sides issued the Action Plan on Strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Between the People's Republic of China and the Republic of Italy (2024-2027), prioritizing joint work on clean energy technologies, environmental policies, climate change and biodiversity.
Appolloni emphasized that closer ties could help both sides withstand global supply chain disruptions and trade tensions. By aligning standards and building trust, China and Italy could turn climate risks into opportunities for more resilient growth, he said.
As competition and geopolitics reshape global markets, Italy's pivot toward closer green cooperation with China may prove vital for achieving its long-term climate goals. To further strengthen cooperation, "this November, we will hold the China-Italy Science, Technology and Innovation Week in Beijing, as well as the China-Italy University Presidents' Forum," Appolloni noted.
He believes such exchanges are crucial for mutual learning in key strategic sectors. "Technology can boost sustainability, and I see great potential for Italy and China to learn from each other."
(Contributed by Gao Jingyan, and edited by Su Dan with Xinhua Silk Road, sudan@xinhua.org)
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