FC Internazionale Milano feature in Italian Pavilion at China International Import Expo, President Steven Zhang meets Minister of Foreign Affairs Luigi Di Maio

SHANGHAI – FC Internazionale Milano is back at the China International Import Expo (CIIE) for the second edition of the event, which kicks off in Shanghai today. Italy is among 15 countries appearing at CIIE as guests of honour, with each nation using their own pavilion to introduce industry figures to their leading companies across various sectors, with Inter the only football club featuring at the Italian Pavilion.

CIIE is also an opportunity for the club to meet with important institutional figures. Club President Steven Zhang met with Italian Minster of Foreign Affairs Luigi di Maio at the Italian Pavilion today, with Chinese President Xi Jinping also visiting the pavilion. Zhang went on to attend a ceremony to expand the memorandum of understanding signed with the ICE agency (ITA - Italian Trade Agency) in March, together with a delegation of leading Chinese e-commerce companies.

The Shanghai event is further illustration of Suning International’s work in supporting and promoting cultural and economic bonds between Italy and China. Inter’s participation at the biggest events promoting Italian industry, such as Milan Furniture Fair and Fashion Week, is a key facet of Suning’s strategy to create a platform of opportunities for Italian and Chinese companies alike.

“Inter is one of the most important brands in Italy,” said club president Steven Zhang. “We represent Milan and Italy and count millions of fans around the world, particularly in China, where we’re the club with the biggest following. Football plays an essential role in creating a fruitful cultural and commercial relationship between our countries.”

Inter fans will be visiting the Italian Pavilion as part of CIIE, while the club will also use the event to showcase the work of Inter Academy in China, where the initiative currently has five projects running.