China, identified by Lombardy-based companies in the latest Confindustria Lombardia internationalisation survey as the primary country for investment and the fourth most important future target market, was the destination for the Lombardy Region mission held from 17 to 20 November 2019, led by President Fontana, in which Confindustria Lombardia and DIH Lombardia participated.

The institutional mission took place during the inauguration of the Salone del Mobile.Milano Shanghai 2019 and subsequently visited the Shandong Province, China's third-wealthiest province, where manufacturing accounts for 39.5% of GDP, serving as the starting point for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (BRI) and a model for sustainable Chinese development. There are various opportunities for Lombardy-based companies, given the growing demand for quality products.

Confindustria Lombardia showcased the excellence of its industrial sector and established a dialogue with business associations and the Department of Foreign Trade to understand the objectives and future investment plans of this highly advanced region, with the aim of channelling specific opportunities to businesses.

On this occasion, the two regions signed a Joint Statement Agreement aimed at increasing trade across various sectors and supply chains (renewable energy, automotive, life sciences, pharmaceuticals, packaging machinery, and agricultural production processes), with a focus on collaborating to stimulate key business growth drivers: sustainability and digitalisation.

During the mission, the Lombardy delegation also visited the headquarters of the Weichai Group, which has established a strong synergy with the Ferretti Group in the luxury nautical sector.