«2024 was significant for bilateral relations, with official missions from Italy to China and from China to Italy. Our Chamber represents Italian investments in China for 33 billion euros in turnover and 130,000 employees in the country. The Chamber is part of the Action Plan signed by the two governments, which together with the new tax treaty in force from 2025 marks a new phase in trade and investment. In this spirit, Notte Italiana promotes Italian excellence and Made in Italy – synonymous with art, beauty and style.”
With this message, Lorenzo Riccardi, president of the Italian Chamber of Commerce in China, greeted and opened last Saturday the 23rd, at the China World Hotel in Beijing, the most important social event for the Italian business community, which was attended by 500 guests , Chinese partners and friends, and representatives of the Italian system in the People’s Republic.
This XI Edition of Notte Italiana, organized with the support of the Italian Embassy and the Italian Cultural Institute in Beijing, had as its theme Night At The Opera, with the celebration of the heritage of Italian opera and Giacomo Puccini. The evening opened with an engaging performance by four dancers from the Shenyang Music Conservatory, to the tune of Gioachino Rossini’s March of the Swiss Soldiers.
«The 11th edition of the Italian Night celebrated the qualified presence of our business community in China in a wide range of economic sectors, highlighting the strength and relevance of bilateral relations, both at the level of economic and commercial cooperation and in cultural and people-to-people exchanges”, underlined Massimo Ambrosetti, Italian head of mission in Beijing, “a long-standing and solid bilateral friendship, further strengthened this year by numerous high-level political visits, including those of President Sergio Mattarella this month and President Giorgia Meloni in July.”
The ambassador also recalled that La Notte Italiana marked the closing of the 9th edition of the Week of Italian Cuisine in the World, a world-leading initiative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, which brought the best culinary traditions to China Italian.
Among the Chinese personalities who spoke at an official level were Wang Yupeng, deputy director general of the European Department of the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, and Zhang Jun, secretary general of the Boao Forum for Asia.
A lively dance performance by dancers Tiffany and Tony enlivened the first part of the evening, which, this year, also celebrated the grand finale of the 9th Week of Italian Cuisine in the World, with the theme Mediterranean Diet and Roots Cuisine: Health and Tradition, supported by the International Observatory of Cultural Diplomacy, the Municipality of Siena and the Consortium for the Protection of the Palio di Siena.
The central element of the party was the starred menu curated by chef Gaetano Trovato of the two-Michelin-starred Arnolfo restaurant in Siena, and by chef Marino D’Antonio of the Michelin-starred Giada Garden restaurant in Beijing. The menu was accompanied by fine wines from 100 ITA, Lunanera, SinoDrink and VM Fine Wines. Both chefs and representatives guided guests through the wine pairing.
Numerous sponsors from the food and wine sector contributed to the evening’s culinary experience, offering a variety of delicacies before, during and after the gala dinner: AAC Wine, Aurora, Bama Tea, Brazzale, Campari Group, Carpigiani, DeLonghi, Deppolit, Dolomia, Finigate, ISU, Jara, Jiarui, Love In and Sediment. Among the technical sponsors, Santoni and Radici Design Studio were responsible for the creation of the goodie bags and the design respectively. Delonghi, Ferrari and Vespa contributed with corners and products on display.
A performance, introduced by Federico Antonelli, Director of the Italian Cultural Institute in Beijing, of three arias taken from Puccini’s La Bohème, with the soprano Xintong Li, the tenor Chong Wang and the pianist Yu Haiyang of the National Center for the Performing Arts (NCPA), added a cultural crescendo to the party.
During the evening, 22 Italian restaurants were also awarded for their contribution to Italian hospitality in the world. Among the awarded restaurants: Giada Garden, Venezia Club Italian Restaurant & Winery, La Pizza Solana, Oggi Trattoria Pizzeria GZ, Oggi Trattoria Pizzeria Shenzhen, Bella Vita Bistrò Tianping (Shanghai), Bella Vita Foshan, Bella Vita Haifang (Shanghai), Bella Vita Pudong (Shanghai), Bella Vita Wuqing (Tianjin), TAVOLA Italian Dining, MY Italian Restaurant, Bonacasa Dongguan, Casamia SanyaBay (n.3), Casamia SanyaBay (n.2), CASA MIA Chengmai, Mammamia! Guangzhou, Mammamia! Kunshan, Mammamia! Stadium, Francesco Yabe Guangzhou, Pipa Trattoria Guangzhou and Il Faro Bar Ristorante Guangzhou.
After a second ballroom dance, the most awaited moment of the evening arrived: the lottery with five main prizes, offered respectively by Voglia d’Italia, Ferrari, Valentino, Hainan Airlines and MSC Crociere, presented on stage by representatives of the diplomatic network and of company managers to the winners. (reproduction reserved)
**Mr. Riccardi mentioned recognizing Italian restaurants in China. How does the Chamber of Commerce ensure that these restaurants maintain authentic Italian culinary traditions and uphold the values of Italian hospitality while catering to the Chinese market?**
## World Today News Exclusive Interview: “Night at the Opera” – Celebrating Italian Excellence in China
**Welcome to World Today News! Tonight, we delve into the luminous world of “Notte Italiana”, the 11th edition of this prestigious event in Beijing, celebrating Italian business, culture, and cuisine in China. Joining us tonight are two distinguished guests:**
* **Mr. Lorenzo Riccardi:** President of the Italian Chamber of Commerce in China, instrumental in orchestrating this spectacular event.
* **Mr. Massimo Ambrosetti:** Italian Head of Mission in Beijing, highlighting the diplomatic significance of “Notte Italiana.”
**I. Strengthening Bilateral Bonds:**
**Moderator:** Mr. Riccardi, “Notte Italiana” is celebrating “Italy’s strong presence” in China. Could you elaborate on the depth and breadth of this partnership, highlighting specific areas of growth and collaboration?
**Mr. Riccardi:**
**(Opens with a statement about the Chamber’s role and its representation of Italian investments, mentioning specific figures and sectors)
**(Expands on successful collaborations in various fields, citing examples)
**(Envisions future growth areas)
**Moderator:**
Mr. Ambrosetti, from a diplomatic perspective, how does “Notte Italiana” contribute to shaping the narrative of the Italy-China relationship?
**Mr. Ambrosetti:**
**(Emphasizes the role of cultural diplomacy in fostering trust and mutual understanding)
**(Details the impact of high-level visits and “Notte Italiana” in strengthening bilateral ties)
**(Highlights the importance of people-to-people exchanges and cultural events in bridging the gap)
**II. The Culinary Tapestry:**
**Moderator:** Both of you have mentioned the “magical” fusion of Italian cuisine and culture showcased at “Notte Italiana”. Mr. Riccardi, what culinary experience did the attendees indulge in this year?
**(Discusses the specific menu, highlighting chef collaborations and the concept of “health and tradition”)
**(Explains the significance of showcasing Italian family recipes and traditions)
**(Mentions the diverse range of sponsors featuring Italian excellence in the food and beverage sector)
**III. A Symphony of Success: **
**Moderator:** Mr. Ambrosetti, the operatic theme of this year’s “Notte Italiana” seems symbolic. What message did the performance aim to convey?
**(Elaborates on the connection between Italian cultural heritage and “Notte Italiana”)
**(Emphasizes the importance of showcasing Italian artistic excellence in China)
**(Discusses the role of cultural events in promoting intercultural dialog)
**Moderator:** This year’s event also saw the recognition of 22 Italian restaurants across China. Mr. Riccardi, what criteria were used for selecting these winners, and what message do you hope to relay by honoring them?
**(Explains the award criteria, emphasizing excellence in Italian hospitality, cultural representation, and culinary authenticity)
**(Highlights the importance of supporting and recognizing Italian businesses abroad)
**(Shares anecdotes about the success stories of these restaurants)
**IV. A Win-Win Relationship:**
**Moderator:** Lastly, looking forward, what are your collective hopes for the future of the Italy-China partnership? Mr.Riccardi, what role will the Italian Chamber of Commerce play in fostering this bond?
**(Outlines the Chamber’s future initiatives aimed at strengthening business ties, promoting investment, and supporting Italian businesses in
**(Expresses optimism about future collaborations and mutual growth)
**Moderator:**
Mr. Ambrosetti, from a diplomatic perspective, what key factors will contribute to the continued success of this partnership, and what areas hold the greatest potential for collaboration?
**(Discusses the importance of open communication, mutual trust, and respect in international relations)
**(Highlights potential areas for future cooperation, such as technological innovation, sustainable development, and cultural exchange)
**(Concludes with a positive vision for the future of the Italy-China relationship)
**Moderator:** Thank you both for sharing your valuable insights with us tonight. We wish you continued success in strengthening the ties between Italy and China. And to our viewers, thank you for tuning in to World Today News.
