Chinese top business leaders see innovation as key pillar of Sino-European cooperation

The two sides discussed various other issues, giving Italian officials a key chance "to consider the economic and political future of the relations between Europe and China", according to Rome mayor Ignazio Marino.

"We know how much China is investing in the young generations, and its economy has a strong international vocation," Marino said.

"This makes it easier to establish mutual opportunities for growth, and start an open dialogue with a united Europe that is pushing towards innovation".

After a meeting scheduled with Italian industrial association Confindustria, the CEC delegation will proceed to the cities of Florence and Milan, which are both crucial for Italy's manufacturing and industry.

They will make contact with representatives of major Italian family businesses, including Antinori, Barilla, Illy, and Italian top industries such as Finmeccanica and Pirelli, before visiting the China Pavilion at EXPO Milan.

The Chinese Entrepreneur Club is mainly comprised of private entrepreneurs, and constitutes a premiere business leader platform in China since 2006.