TIANJIN, July 29 (Xinhua) -- In the Tianjin Port Free Trade Zone, a bustling Italian SME Industrial Park has become a hub for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from Italy that are seeking access to and growth in the Chinese market via the northern harbor city.

Established in 2019, the industrial park has already attracted over 30 Italian SMEs, offering specialized support and services to facilitate their entry into the Chinese market. CIMU Science, a start-up focusing on the trade of foundry equipment, settled in the park swiftly after its establishment in 2020, drawn to the benefits of being part of a promising industrial cluster.

"The industrial park fosters an environment where information can be shared extensively. Regular policy interpretation activities, covering talent introduction, export tax rebates and foreign trade risk avoidance, have been instrumental in our success in the Chinese market," said He Ningning, a financial manager at CIMU Science, noting that she was deeply impressed by the agglomeration effect of the industrial park.

Zheng Jian, an official of the Tianjin Italian SME Industrial Park, said that the industrial park provides comprehensive support for Italian companies in information consultation, investigation, site selection, establishment and operation processes, aiming to improve the business environment.

"We established a strategic partnership with the China-Italy Chamber of Commerce to communicate with more Italian enterprises. We also try to leverage the location advantages of the free trade zone and provide support based on the companies' specific needs," Zheng said.

One of the companies benefiting from the industrial park's support is Goglio (Tianjin) Packaging Co. Ltd., which specializes in packaging for food products like tomato paste, juice concentrate and coffee. Aseptic packaging bags, the company's main product, require sterilization through gamma-ray irradiation. With the support of the industrial park and the Tianjin Port Free Trade Zone, an irradiation supplier established a factory opposite the company, leading to significant cost savings.

In 2022, the trade volume between China and Italy totaled 77.88 billion U.S. dollars, according to data from China's customs authority.

The Chinese market's business-friendly environment, generous preferential policies and customized assistance policies have attracted more Italian SMEs to seize opportunities here.

Chinese market expansion plans are evident among these Italian SMEs. Goglio (Tianjin) Packaging Co. Ltd., for instance, plans to introduce four more sets of production equipment in 2024 to expand its one-way degassing valve production capacity, the company's flagship product, which is used to preserve the aroma of coffee.

"After years of development in China, we have seen the unlimited opportunities here. Our further expansion of production capacity not only aims to bring good products to China, but also reflects the attraction of the Chinese market," said Zhang Dan, the HR and Admin Director of the company.

Patrizio Valsoni, general manager of CIMU Science, acknowledged the fast development in China and the changes in the market as the government has attached great importance to environmental protection. "Many traditional foundries in China upgraded their production equipment in recent years. This provided opportunities for us. We will continue to invest in China in the future."

Similarly, Asadental China Co., Ltd., an Italian company specializing in dental medical devices, has added a new brand line this year to expand its market share. With China experiencing significant economic and social development, the demand for high-quality dental treatments is on the rise.

"Economic cooperation between China and Italy is very promising. Both countries have complementary resources and expertise that can foster synergies and beneficial trade exchanges," said Allesandro Malfatti, the general manager of the company. The Chinese dental market offers an exciting opportunity for the company, Malfatti said. "And we are willing to seize it."

With the Tianjin Italian SME Industrial Park as a gateway, Italian SMEs are finding themselves well-positioned to ride the wave of China's economic growth and tap into the vast potential of the Chinese market. As opportunities continue to unfold, these enterprises remain optimistic about their prospects for further success in their business ventures in China.