Italy signed a preliminary agreement with China in March 2019 that made it the only G7 country to join the Bri, launched by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2013.

Then-Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte hoped the agreement would boost Italy's sluggish economy, but it has produced few benefits in the past four years.

Critics had expressed fears that the deal would allow China to gain control of sensitive technologies and infrastructure, and Italy has since taken a series of measures to veto acquisitions or limit Chinese companies' influence over Italian counterparts by using so-called golden power.

INITIAL PREMISE

The two countries emphasized their shared history, with Italy traditionally serving as a landing point for the maritime section of the ancient Silk Road, which connected Asia to Western Europe.

MAIN GOALS.

China and Italy were committed to working together to strengthen political relations and trade ties.

AREAS OF COOPERATION PLANNED

- Transportation, logistics and infrastructure: Italy and China had said they would work on projects such as roads, railways, bridges, civil aviation, ports, energy and telecommunications.

- In the energy sector, since 2014 State Grid Corporation of China has held a 35 percent stake in Cdp Reti, a holding company that owns about one-third of Italy's electricity and gas grid operators, Terna and Snam.

- Removing barriers to trade and investment by promoting partnership between respective financial institutions.

- Connectivity between people, developing a network of town twinning and encouraging cultural, scientific, tourism and educational exchanges.

- Environmental cooperation, pursuing sustainable development.

(Translated by Camilla Borri, editing Francesca Piscioneri)