This article is also available in Italian / Questo articolo è disponibile anche in italiano

From Chengdu - The 19th edition of Ecomondo China CDEPE, the Italian Exhibition Group’s flagship event on ecological transition and circular economy in China, took place from 1st to 3rd April at the New Conference and Exhibition Centre in Chengdu, Sichuan province. The event had a good number of Chinese participants alongside a substantial Italian delegation, led by ITA and featuring 14 companies, including NextChem, HBI, GreenOil, and Iride Acque.

“We have brought Italian excellence to explore potential partnerships and clients in Western China, fostering synergies between Italian and Chinese companies,” said Ilaria Cevoli, International Project Manager of Ecomondo China CDEPE, speaking to Renewable Matter.

The sense of interest among attendees is tangible. “There is great admiration for what Italy is doing,” noted Gao Lin, President of the Sichuan Environmental Protection Industry Association, during a panel discussion on the circular economy moderated by Renewable Matter. “Collaboration between our countries will be a building block in achieving the Dual Carbon Goal.”

"I also attended Ecomondo in Italy to explore new technologies to be implemented in our industrial parks, and I believe these kinds of meetings are crucial here in China as well," said Luo Jialong of Herrel Environmental Protection Industrial Company, a major player in urban waste management. "Collaboration is essential—we all share the same planet."

For Italy’s Consul General in Chongqing, Fabio Schina, "Over the past year and a half, relations between Italy and China have seen a strong, all-encompassing revival, starting with Minister Tajani’s visit in 2023, followed by two highly significant political visits from Prime Minister Meloni and President of the Republic Mattarella."

Speaking with our media outlet, Schina reiterated his hope that "dialogue with Beijing will continue and be strengthened. As a consulate, our commitment is to locally support initiatives that foster collaboration, such as this one."

The figures speak for themselves. “Italian exports to China performed strongly in the first eleven months of 2024, rising by 7.1% compared to the same period in 2023, and a value of approximately 2.35 billion euros,” explains Federica Galli, Deputy Trade Commissioner for the Italian Trade Agency in Beijing. “China is the sixth-largest destination for Italian exports in green technologies and the only one of China’s suppliers with a positive figure. Among the best-performing sectors are air purification and energy efficiency.”

Italian companies at the event also expressed their satisfaction, stating that the fair had created “important opportunities” (Iride Acque) and “unexpected partnership opportunities that could bear fruit” (GreenOil).

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Investing in Sichuan

While major companies in the renewable energy and circular economy sectors are often concentrated in the large industrial hubs along China’s coast, the southwest is an important geographical area that is developing, not only in manufacturing but also in scientific research and technological development.

“Sichuan province has all the foundations for developing fruitful forms of collaboration and cooperation for the Chinese part, and especially for the Italian one, for Italian business looking to establish a presence in this lesser-known region compared to Beijing or the coastal areas,” explains Consul Schina.

“Sichuan serves as an excellent gateway to the rest of the country,” adds Galli. “China is firmly committed to the objectives of the Dual Carbon Strategy. With the 2030 emissions peak target fast approaching, now is the time to look to China for green technologies.”

The strategic advantages for Italian companies considering expansion into China are outlined by Zhong Qi, Deputy Director of the Investment Promotion Department of Jintang County. “The region is well connected to the China-Europe rail corridor, allowing for goods transport in around 12 days, and benefits from the presence of the Tianfu airport, a major hub located less than 45 minutes from Chengdu and close to Jintang’s new industrial zone.”

During a guided tour, visitors were able to witness the development of the future Jintang industrial complex, a vast area of over 60 km² that will house an industrial park focused on “new quality productive forces” and “new energy.”

A “Green Valley New Material Industrial Park” will be created, centred around renewable energy, particularly batteries (with industry giant Houyou already present and CATL set to follow) and photovoltaic energy (TW Solar), alongside technologies aimed at reducing environmental impacts (filters, membranes, wastewater treatment), energy efficiency, and circular economy.

Ecomondo China CDEPE also devoted space to the bioeconomy, organic waste, and the management of wastewater and industrial waste. “Sichuan has historically been an important agricultural reality and is regarded as one of China’s breadbaskets,” explains Schina. “There is great potential for the agrifood sector and all organic waste. To put it into perspective, Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan with a population of 20 million, is home to approximately 700,000 restaurants. The scale of opportunity in organic waste is immediately apparent.”

Italy-China 2030

For Italy, now is the time to accelerate green partnerships with Chinese counterparts. “An event like Ecomondo China has the potential to become a major catalyst for the growth of relations and exchanges between the two countries, especially at a time of intense trade tensions sparked by the United States,” says Alessandra Astolfi, Global Exhibition Director of the Green & Technology Division at Italian Exhibition Group Spa. “Our commitment is to strengthen and expand the event in the coming years, turning it into a key forum for dialogue between the two nations on topics such as the green economy, decarbonisation, and circular economy—a reference point not only for Italy but for the whole of Europe.”

While the Rimini-based fair has successfully positioned itself in Italy and is soon to make its mark in Europe, there is little doubt that, given the high regard for its efforts, it will become a central hub for industrial discussions on ecological transition, environmental technologies, and the circular economy in the medium term.

“I am confident that a clear industrial and commercial relationship will continue to develop between Europe and China, underpinned by the multilateral goals of the Paris Agreement, UN conventions on biodiversity, and pollution treaties,” Astolfi concludes. “Italy has long been a leader in high-level technologies and solutions in resource recovery and waste management, and it has always been one of the most admired countries in China. It can, therefore, play a clear role as an ambassador and representative in this field. Ecomondo is ready to fulfil its role as a place for meetings and exchange.”

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On the cover: a panel moderated by Emanuele Bompan, Ecomondo China 2025