Both China and Italy stand to gain from further using the potential of the Belt and Road Initiative: Spokesperson

A representative for the Chinese foreign ministry said on Monday that it is in both China and Italy’s best interests to maximize the potential of the Belt and Road Initiative.

In response to a pertinent question, the spokesman said that “The Belt and Road Initiative provides a new platform for practical cooperation between China and Italy, and Belt and Road cooperation has achieved numerous tangible outcomes in economy, trade, and business cooperation.”

Italian exports to China increased by 58 percent year over year in the first five months of this year, according to figures provided by the Italian side. The spokeswoman emphasized that it is in both parties’ best interests to maximize Belt and Road collaboration.