The 16th WCIF

As an important platform to promote investment, facilitate trade cooperation and provide diplomatic service in western China, the WCIF has been convened in Chengdu for 16 consecutive times since it was launched in 2000. Totally, more than 11,000 investment and cooperation agreements have been signed at the previous WCIFs, involving over RMB6.01 trillion.

Themed "New Era in China, New Advances in Western China," the 17th WCIF will be presented at two venues -- the Exhibition Center of Western China International Expo City and Century City New International Convention & Exhibition Center, with a total area of 260,000 square meters.

Italy will serve as the Guest Country of Honor of the fair, China's Chongqing as the rotating presidency, and Sichuan's Meishan as the theme city. 60,000 guests, including more than 20,000 from overseas, and delegations from 90 countries and regions, including one led by Mr. Luigi Di Maio, Deputy Prime Minister of Italy and Minister of Economic Development, Labour and Social Policies, are expected to attend the 17th WCIF. Nearly 70 events will take place at the fair.

As the Guest Country of Honor of the 17th WCIF, Italy will set up its national pavilion covering 1,200 square meters, said Mr. Filippo Nicosia, Consul General of the Consulate General of Italy in Chongqing, at a press conference on September 5. "To highlight the concept 'Italian DNA,' we will showcase our country's unique tradition and creativity." The pavilion will also organize activities to promote cooperation between Sichuan Province and Italy in sectors associated with culture, tourism, health, environmental protection, food safety and technology, etc, he said.

Some Italy's regions will send delegations to participate in the fair as well. "They are looking forward to collaborating with southwest China in port industry, logistics and railway transport sector, especially that involving the Chengdu-Europe railway express," Mr. Nicosia said.