A delegation from the Italy-China Friendship Association, headed by Irene Pivetti, president of the institute, visited Shanxi province on March 28.

Wang Fu, vice-governor of Shanxi, met the delegation and extended his warm welcome.

They exchanged ideas on tourism, cultural relics, conferences and exhibitions, cross-border e-commerce, as well as the deep processing of agricultural products.

Pivetti showed her willingness to promote Shanxi in Italy and throughout Europe.

"We hope our governments and people can get to know Shanxi better and contribute to its development in various fields," she said.

The president also expressed her wishes to establish a long-term partnership between Italian and Shanxi businesses, and introduced their branded activities, such as the Italian gourmet festival to the province.

Wang also expressed his hopes that this trip could deepen cooperation between the two sides in fields like clean energy, tourism and the restoration of historic artifacts.