Knowledge of Chinese Language Is Strategic Skill: Italian Experts
September 27, 2013 Leave a comment
Knowledge of Chinese Language Is Strategic Skill: Italian Experts
2013-09-27 05:11:59 GMT2013-09-27 13:11:59(Beijing Time) CRIENGLISH
In the globalized world, the knowledge of China’s language and culture is an increasingly important skill, Italian experts said on Thursday. Speaking at a conference in Milan, president of Italy China Foundation Cesare Romiti said that “expertise in China and its market has become fundamental.” Romiti, an economist and former executive of both state-owned firms and private companies, was among the first personalities in Italy to strengthen ties with China 10 years ago, when he founded the association to promote business and cultural links between the two countries.Since it was started in 2009, the Italy China Foundation’s School of Permanent Training has taught Chinese culture and language to hundreds of students and businessmen, also setting an example for other Italian cities where learning Chinese language has now become a “trend.”
“We believe that today’s youth will be the ruling class of tomorrow, and an in-depth knowledge and understanding of China through its language and traditions will foster increased cooperation between our countries at all levels,” Romiti stressed.
Echoing his words, Education Councilor of Milan Municipality Francesco Cappelli noted that the knowledge of Chinese language is a key prerequisite to establish deep relations with a country that has an increasing leadership role globally.
“During my previous experience as a scholastic executive, I had the chance to interact with many Chinese children who have now become citizens of Milan,” the councilor said at the conference in the presence of Chinese Consul General in Milan Liao Juhua and local officials.
The Italian business capital, which took over the baton from Shanghai Expo 2010 and is to host the next world exhibition in 2015, is enhancing efforts to welcome its target number of around one million Chinese tourists during the six-month event.
“It will be a very ambitious challenge,” Pietro Modiano, President of SEA, management firm of Milan’s airports, said. He noted that 700,000 Chinese tourists arrive in Malpensa International Airport yearly, of which around half transit in other airports.
The goal is to attract more and more Chinese tourists, and the knowledge of Chinese language and culture is the starting point as well as the strategic asset to make them “feel Italy like home,” he said.
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