Chinese president begins visit to Italy

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Chinese President Hu Jintao is in the Italy for a state visit. He's currently in Rome and will later attend an outreach session at the Group of Eight summit in L'Aquila. China and Italy are expected to sign several deals to enhance bilateral cooperation.

Chinese President Hu Jintao (C) is welcomed by an Italian official  upon his arrival at Rome, Italy, July 5, 2009. [Xinhua]

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The Chinese president's visit to Italy aims to advance the bilateral strategic partnership.

Despite the global economic downturn, trade volume between the two countries stood at 38 billion US dollars last year.

That figure nears the objective of reaching 40 billion US dollars by 2010 set by leaders of both sides.

During President Hu's visit, China and Italy are expected to sign eight deals, ranging from goods purchase, economic cooperation, education, tourism to cultural exchanges.

A Chinese diplomat says among the agreements is the hosting of a "Chinese culture year" in Italy and a cooperation pact between Italian auto giant FIAT and China's Guangzhou Automobile Industry Group.