China, Italy to strengthen ties

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China's top legislator, Wu Bangguo, continues his visit in Italy. On Tuesday, he met with the president of the country's Lombard Region. Wu Bangguo says China and Italy should look for new areas of cooperation, with opportunities opening up amidst the global financial crisis.

Wu Bangguo arrived in Milan on Monday for an official goodwill visit in Italy. During his meeting on Tuesday with the president of the Lombard Region, Roberto Formiconi, Wu said the region is leading the country in carrying out cooperation with China.

Wu also said the international financial crisis has posed grim challenges to the world economy. But at the same time, it has brought about major opportunities for expanding cooperation between China and Italy.

Wu said he hopes the two sides would explore new areas of cooperation amid the challenges. And he added that he hopes they will step up cooperation in such fields as scientific research, clean energy and environmental protection.

Formiconi said the local government and people of the Lombard Region have friendly feelings towards the Chinese people.

He expressed appreciation of China's active response to the financial crisis.

Formiconi said the Lombard Region is ready to strengthen cooperation with China in various fields. He welcomed more Chinese companies to invest in the region.

Also on Tuesday, Wu Bangguo met with Chinese entrepreneurs who invest and do business in Italy and Europe. Wu encouraged the Chinese companies to expand their overseas market and explore new areas and channels of cooperation in other countries.