2025 Business & Innovation in the GBA for European SMEs, 29 Mar

The China-Italy Chamber of Commerce (CICC) successfully hosted its highly anticipated roundtable forum with the co-organization of EU SME Centre at the Four Seasons Hotel Guangzhou, on March 29, 2025. Themed “European SMEs in the Greater Bay Area: Business and Innovation”, the event brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and business experts to explore the opportunities, challenges, and strategies for European SMEs in one of China’s most dynamic economic regions.

After the opening remarks from Lorenzo Riccardi, Chairman of the CICC, H.E. Massimo Ambrosetti, Ambassador of Italy to the P.R.C., and Mr. Wang Hongjian, Level II Bureau-Rank Official of CCPIT Guangdong and Executive Secretary-General of the Guangdong Chamber of International Commerce, two panel discussions of the GBA Roundtable Conference began with three insightful keynote speeches from Prof. Giovanni Tria, Former Italian Minister of Economy and Finance, Prof. Enrico Giovannini, Former Italian Minister of Infrastructure and Sustainable Mobility and former Minister of Labor and Social Policies and Mr. Gianni Di Giovanni, States’ Representative, Executive Committee Member of EUCCC.

Their speeches set the stage for an engaging discussion on the rapidly evolving landscape of European SMEs in the Greater Bay Area, from opportunities in innovation and digital transformation to challenges in market entry and sustainable growth.

The highlight of the event was the panel discussions, which featured a distinguished lineup of industry leaders, offering diverse perspectives on European SMEs' business and innovation in the Greater Bay Area. The panelists shared practical strategies for Italian and European businesses to thrive in the GBA, drawing on success stories and highlighting the importance of localization, partnerships, and innovation.

The first panel discussion centered on the opportunities, challenges, and success strategies for Italian enterprises in the GBA. The session highlighted the importance of understanding local business environments, adapting to regulatory frameworks, and leveraging strategic partnerships for long-term success. This panel features the following speakers:

• Massimiliano Guelfo, CMO Piaggio China
• Simone Incontro, General Manager Veronafiere
• Alessandro Muffato, Asia Operations Director Luxottica
• Francesco Muggeri, Vice President Marketing STMicroelectronics
• Livia Stivanello, Managing Director Asia Visottica Group

Moderator: Francesco Pensabene, Italian Trade Commissioner to China and Mongolia

The second panel focused on innovation, digitalization, and green finance, key drivers of growth for European SMEs in the region. Experts shared insights on how businesses can integrate cutting-edge technologies and sustainable financial solutions to enhance competitiveness. Among the speakers:

• Prof. Antonello Garzoni, Magnificent Rector of the LUM Giuseppe Degennaro University of Bari
• Prof. Roberto Donà, Professor of Practice in Management Strategy, IBSS@XJTLU
• Simone Ciampi, Vice Chair ICT Working Group of EUCCC
• Fabien Pacory, Vice-President French Chamber in China

Moderator: Klaus Zenkel, EUCCC Vice President

The event provided ample opportunities for networking, with participants engaging in lively conversations during coffee breaks and the post-event reception. Attendees exchanged ideas, explored potential collaborations, and connected with like-minded professionals.

We extend our gratitude to all speakers, panelists and attendees for their contributions to a dynamic and thought-provoking afternoon. A special thank you to our sponsors and partners for their generous support.