NANJING, China, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- Inter Milan chairman Steven Zhang, a 29-year-old Chinese businessman, was awarded the "Leading Emerging Partner" by the Italian Consulate General in Shanghai on Tuesday.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the People's Republic of China and Italy.
It was the only award given by the Italian government through its consulate general in Shanghai at the 50th anniversary celebration concert on Tuesday, which recognized Zhang's contributions to China-Italy economic, trade and cultural exchanges and cooperation.
Zhang, who is also the president of Suning International, a subsidiary of Chinese retail giant Suning Holdings Group, said that the strong friendship between the two countries will benefit their enterprises, and Suning International will further deepen cooperation with Italian brands.
Suning International and Suning Carrefour have inked deals with the Italian Trade Agency (ITA) at the third China International Import Expo (CIIE) to introduce more Italian brands to the Chinese market.
In 2019, Suning signed a cooperation framework agreement with ITA. At the second CIIE in the same year, an agreement was signed between the two sides, allowing ITA to help introduce over 150 Italian brands to China.
In 2016, Suning bought Inter Milan, and two years later, Zhang was elected as the club's youngest ever chairman.
In the 2019-20 season, Inter finished second in Serie A to qualify for this season's UEFA Champions League. According to accounting firm KPMG, the value of Inter increased by 42 percent year-on-year in 2020. Enditem
