国内英语新闻:Italy, China launch strategic "innovation alliance"

But there are many other potential areas on which to focus the Italy-China innovation cooperation. Four parallel thematic panels were held to discuss possible partnerships in digital health systems, ICT, "e-government" and alternative energy sources.

Ennio Lucarelli of Confindustria said the enormous business opportunities Italian firms had in China with regard to e-health and "e-government" projects, where Italy was a global leader.

The Italy-China Innovation Forum was the first event listed in the protocol signed during Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao's visit to Rome in October to boost bilateral ties.

Other than the Italy-China center for technological transfer presented by Brunetta, the protocol also envisaged the creation of the Italy-China center for high-quality design, which aims to support cultural exchange on intellectual property rights for the global benefit and competition of both countries, and the Italy- China center for "e-government" on joint research projects for digitalizing public administration.

The head of the Italy-China Foundation Cesare Romiti, responsible for creating business contacts between Chinese and Italian firms, also took part in the forum.