Shanghai, 18 June 2026 – The Panda D’Oro Gala Awards, the most prestigious recognition for Italian businesses in China organized by the Italian Chamber of Commerce in China (CCIC), took place last Thursday, 18th of June, at the iconic W Shanghai – The Bund, bringing together institutions, entrepreneurs, and business leaders for an evening dedicated to excellence, innovation, and the enduring strength of Italy-China relations.
The Panda D’Oro celebrates Italian companies that choose to invest, grow, and create long-term value in China — turning complexity into opportunity and building a concrete bridge between the two economies through their daily industrial and commercial presence.
The 2026 edition welcomed 650 guests, who gathered to celebrate 32 award-winning companies recognised for their outstanding performance in the Chinese market.
This year’s edition received 59 applications from leading companies across a wide range of sectors, reflecting the continued and growing engagement of Italian businesses in China. Winners were selected through a rigorous evaluation process based on their results and achievements in 2025. Once again, the Gala confirmed its role as the flagship event of the Italian business community in China, highlighting companies that stand out not only for their performance, but for their vision, resilience, and long-term commitment to one of the world’s most dynamic markets.
The evening was honored by the presence of several Italian institutional representatives. H.E. Massimo Ambrosetti, Ambassador of Italy to the P.R.C., and Gianni Di Giovanni, Chairman of the Italian Chamber of Commerce in China (CCIC), delivered the opening remarks. They were joined by Tiziana D'Angelo, Consul General of Italy in Shanghai, Giulio Bolaffi, First Counsellor of the Italian Embassy, Fabio De Cillis, Director of the Italian Trade Agency in Shanghai, Federico Roberto Antonelli and Francesco D’Arelli, Directors of the Italian Cultural Institute in Beijing and Shanghai.
On the Chinese side, the Gala welcomed senior representatives from local and municipal authorities, including Li Hong, Vice Chairman of the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce (SCOFCOM), Xue Feng, President of Invest Shanghai, as well as leaders from Hongkou district and relevant local authorities, reflecting the strong institutional support for Italy–China economic and business cooperation.
In his speech, Gianni Di Giovanni highlighted the resilience and adaptability of Italian companies operating in China:
“We are living in a world that is changing rapidly. Markets are changing. Technologies are changing. Business models are changing. And the relationship between Italy and China is changing as well. But change should not be feared. Change should be understood. And where others see uncertainty, we should be capable of seeing opportunity. The Italian companies operating in China have demonstrated exactly this capability for decades. They have adapted. They have innovated. They have localized. And they have continued to create value even during the most challenging periods. That is why I remain confident about the future of Italy-China economic relations”.
The centerpiece of the Gala was the presentation of the Panda D’Oro Awards across 11 categories, with 10 awards dedicated to Italian companies operating in China and one category recognizing Chinese organizations that have contributed to strengthening bilateral relations. The awards celebrated excellence in investment, innovation, sustainability, design, culture, and market development.
Among the most prestigious recognitions, Bracco and Generali China Insurance received the Major Investment in China Award, in acknowledgment of their long-term commitment to the Chinese market and their contribution to strengthening bilateral economic cooperation.
Bracco was awarded for its continued strategic investment and consolidated presence in China, including the development of the Shanghai New South Plant project, which further strengthens its industrial footprint in the country and its long-standing commitment to the healthcare and life sciences sector.
Generali China Insurance was recognized for a landmark year marked by the full acquisition of 100% ownership completed in 2025 and a significant strengthening of its capital base, confirming its long-term commitment and continued expansion in the Chinese insurance market.
Chiesi and Meccalte were honored as SME Growth Champions in China, in recognition of their consistent growth and successful development within the Chinese market.
Italian companies operating in China continue to stand out for their strong focus on innovation, with a clear ability to combine industrial excellence, advanced technologies, and product development tailored to one of the world’s most competitive markets.
A clear example is Pirelli, which has further strengthened its leadership in China’s premium and electric mobility segment through sustained investment in R&D and a strong focus on digitalization, electrification, and advanced tyre technologies. The development of CYBER™ technology, in partnership with Bosch, represents a step forward in smart mobility solutions and software-enabled vehicle performance.
This innovative drive is also reflected in the performance of leading Italian manufacturing companies based in China, particularly in the Suzhou industrial area, including Carel, Piovan, and Prima Power, which continue to enhance their competitiveness through automation, efficiency, and advanced production systems.
The China Market Debut Award, introduced this year to recognize Italian companies that have successfully entered the Chinese market despite its challenges and continue to invest with a long-term vision, was presented to Mi Shang Prada Rong Zhai, Drago, Inxpect, Pastiglie Leone, and Ventuno.
The China-Italy Partnership Award, dedicated to Chinese organizations that have significantly contributed to strengthening bilateral relations, was presented to Benlai, Shandong Chambroad Group, and Federation Classic Cars China.
Chambroad was recognised for its long-term collaboration with the Italian industrial ecosystem and its structured cooperation with SACE and Italian institutions supporting export and investment flows. In 2025, the company secured a €35 million SACE Push Strategy financing to strengthen cooperation with Italian suppliers and support the integration of Italian technologies into its industrial projects.
Benlai Group, a leading DTC platform in China’s premium fresh grocery sector, was awarded for its strategic partnership with the Italian Trade Agency (ICE), aimed at promoting the authenticity and quality of Italian agri-food products in China. Through joint initiatives, the collaboration has strengthened the visibility of Made in Italy brands and expanded their presence across major Chinese cities and digital platforms.
Federation Classic Cars China was recognized for its role in promoting automotive heritage and cultural exchange between Italy and China. The association is dedicated to the preservation and promotion of classic cars, while fostering appreciation for Italian automotive design, craftsmanship, and lifestyle culture through exhibitions, events, and cross-cultural initiatives.
A special moment of the evening was dedicated to recognizing the invaluable contribution of the event’s financial sponsors. Representatives of the two Platinum Sponsors addressed the audience with welcome speeches: Mario Huang, General Manager of Intesa Sanpaolo Shanghai Branch, and Juan Pablo Carriquiry, CEO of Carriquiry Consulting.
A heartfelt thank you was extended to all partners who made the event possible, including 28 cash sponsors and more than 100 companies that contributed through product and in-kind sponsorships. Their collective support played a fundamental role in bringing the Gala to life and in strengthening the platform that connects Italian businesses in China.
More than an awards ceremony, the Panda D’Oro Gala 2026 reaffirmed the vitality of the Italian business community in China and the strength of the partnerships that continue to connect the two countries. By recognising entrepreneurial excellence while celebrating culture, creativity, and innovation, the event demonstrated once again that the Italy–China relationship is built not only on economic success, but on a shared ecosystem of long-term cooperation, mutual trust, and sustainable growth.
