History of the Italian Chamber of Commerce in China
The first establishment of the Italian Chamber of Commerce in China dates back to 1903, when the Italian Consul General in Shanghai, Cesare Nerazzini, initiated efforts to promote greater economic penetration in China. He called upon Italian merchants and entrepreneurs to form a founding committee, which led to the establishment of the Italian Chamber of Commerce in China on January 30, 1903. On March 4 of the same year, Nerazzini submitted a report to the Italian Ministry of Agriculture, Industry, and Commerce seeking official recognition and funding.
The first president was Achille Riva, and the first secretary was Giovanni Vigna dal Ferro. The Chamber gradually grew and became one of the largest Italian chambers abroad, contributing significantly to Italy’s commercial interests in China.
The Italian Chamber of Commerce in China (CCIC) today is a business organisation recognised by both the Italian Government (Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy) and People’s Republic of China (Ministry of Civil Affairs) that aims to boost the internationalization of Italian business and to promote the “Made in Italy” in the PRC.
CCIC has offices in Beijing, Shanghai, Suzhou, Guangzhou, Chongqing. The CCIC Members represent the Italian business community such as public-invested and multinational corporations, small and medium-sized enterprises (both manufacturing and commercial), service companies etc.
To companies settled in China and those with on-going business within the Chinese market, the CCIC offers informative, training and business networking opportunities. Besides, the CCIC qualifies itself as a voicing platform for them to share topics of common interest. To companies interested in strengthening their business in China, the CCIC offers consultancy, assistance and marketing services.
The established network together with the institutional endorsement provided the CCIC with the opportunities to organise several activities boosting private businesses, b2b, institutional and business missions, participation to fairs, networking events, gala dinners, awarding ceremonies, culinary events, career days, and advocacy activities.
Friends of CCIC
Another milestone for the promotion and connectivity amongst the Sino-Italian business community is the creation of the “Friends of CCIC” channel, welcoming Chinese companies to join CCIC activities and being part of the CCIC network.
Working Groups
The CCIC, in cooperation with its members, has established different working groups covering those sectors, considered as the most important and strategic for Italian companies in China. The Working Groups gather representatives of companies operating in the same sector or located in the same geographical area.
EU SME Centre
The CCIC coordinator the EU SME Centre, a project funded by the European Commission that provides assistance and support services to European Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) interested in the Chinese market.
Assocamerestero Network
The CCIC is a member of Assocamerestero, the Association of Italian Chambers of Commerce Abroad, a network of 86 Chambers. An institution recognised as the third institution in charge of promoting Italy abroad, together with Italian Trade Commission and ENIT.
