AN Italian government and business delegation, led by Sergio Arzeni — president of the Rome-based International Network for Small and Medium Enterprises — visited Futian District on Tuesday.

The visit aimed to deepen cooperation between Futian and Italy’s Puglia — sister districts — with a focus on future-oriented industries such as intelligent manufacturing, financial technology, and green energy.

The delegation first toured the Honor Global Headquarters Exhibition Hall in Xiangmihu Subdistrict, where they explored the latest advancements in smart terminals and AI ecosystems.

The group then visited the Xiangmihu International Friendship Service Center, a one-stop platform serving international talent and foreign‑invested enterprises. During the tour, the guests explored the integrated consultation area, the corporate branding zone, and the digital human interactive display. They were briefed on the center’s “Human + AI” service model, which delivers targeted support to international residents in Shenzhen through a wide range of public services — including legal counsel, business travel assistance, taxation guidance, talent policy consulting, and corporate support.

That same day, a memorandum of cooperation was signed between the Xiangmihu Subdistrict Office and representatives from Poli Biblio Museali Regione Puglia, the foundation for libraries and museums in Puglia. The agreement commits the parties to cultural exchanges, reciprocal exhibitions, and personnel collaboration. Following the signing, both sides inaugurated the Sino-Italian Investment Club to foster cooperation in intelligent manufacturing, green energy, and fintech.

Arzeni said he was impressed by Futian’s commitment to respecting and empowering international talent, which is essential to driving technological progress and economic growth. He also highlighted significant cooperation potential with the district in robotics, intelligent manufacturing, lean production, and green energy — sectors that are currently top priorities for Italy.

He also emphasized Shenzhen’s unique ability to integrate scientific research, industrial development, and financial services, describing it as a synergy he had “never seen anywhere else.” (SD News)