As many people are preparing for the Spring Festival celebration in China, Paolo Ottaviani in Rome, Italy is busy contacting clients to expand the business development. 

Ottaviani, general manager of Viani Trade Consulting Co Ltd in Yancheng, has lived in China for 15 years. Six weeks ago, he returned to his home country for first time in three years to reunite with his family members.  

He also wanted to share a message that he found in the report of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China held in last October, which said that China will promote high-standard opening up. There is a great potential for investment as the country’s many provinces are in need of new projects. 

Ottaviani began his life in Yancheng in 2009 when he arrived as the general manager of a plant of Italian company.  

During his stay, he has personally felt the changes in China, such as the high-speed train connecting remote areas with the Yangtze River Delta, and also taken pride in Yancheng’s achievements in improving ecological environment and building the coastal mudflats and wetlands as important bird habitats.  

"China has lifted 700 million people out of poverty and made a huge contribution to poverty alleviation in the world. China's development is always people-oriented, and I believe that China's modernization will be successful," he said. 

As manager of a foreign-invested company, Paul also saw the better business environment and benefited from such progress too. For many times, he facilitated the city’s investment promotion.   

In 2018, Ottaviani set up a company to provide consulting services for foreign investors, which has successfully led to the launch of three projects. However, this work has stalled since 2020 due to COVID-19.  

Despite the difficulties, Ottaviani has maintained his confidence in China. He took the initiative to introduce the business environment and policies to potential investors who couldn’t visit China. "Good communication is an essential part of success, and I hope to be a bridge between China and Italy and promote a win-win situation through cooperation," he said. 

After returning to Italy, he has contacted and visited many enterprises and business people, who generally have a positive outlook on China’s market and development prospects. The soaring energy costs make many Italian companies to consider relocation to other regions, and China remains attractive for the rich resources and good manufacturing foundation.  

Ottaviani called for paying attention to the impact of COVID-19 on international exchange and cooperation. In his view, companies and governments on both sides need to enhance understanding and mutual trust with closer communication.  

He felt excited about China’s adjustment of COVID-19 response starting from January 8. This relaxation has also addressed concerns of many Italian entrepreneurs who are interested in investing in China. Some have told Ottaviani that they will soon visit China. He is also working on inviting Jiangsu companies to attend industry exhibitions in Italy.  

"I believe that through more frequent exchanges and mutual visits, the two sides can build up trust, and then investment and cooperation will be a natural thing." 

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