Italy-China Foundation

What Italy-China Foundation does

The Italy-China Foundation (Fondazione Italia Cina), operating under the Italy China Council Foundation (ICCF) brand, is a Milan-based non-profit association registered as an Italian Third Sector Entity (ETS) that develops cultural, economic, and institutional relations between Italy and China. ICCF was formed in June 2022 from the integration of the Italy China Foundation (established 2003) and the Italy-China Chamber of Commerce (established 1970), bringing together roughly 300 member companies, institutions, and individuals across Italian and Chinese ecosystems spanning banking, insurance, fashion, manufacturing, technology, and professional services.

Its core offerings are organized into four service lines: Business Support Services (market entry assistance, B2B matchmaking, trade mission coordination); Centro Studi research publications (the annual China Report in its 16th edition, the Mondo Cinese journal since 1973, the Monthly Bulletin on Chinese Economy, and thematic China Spotlight reports); the ICCF Academy training programs (including the China Executive Training Programme covering intercultural management and China market specialization, with 1,130 professionals trained); and Events, Trade Fairs, and Missions (including CISCE participation, delegations, China Awards, and the inaugural Mondo Cinese Festival in 2026). Distribution is delivered through a Milan headquarters plus four China offices in Guangzhou, Chongqing, Chengdu, and Beijing that double as training centers and hubs for the Marco Polo and Turandot student programs.

Revenue is generated primarily through recurring membership fees and ancillary service revenues (Academy tuition, event sponsorships, publication subscriptions). Marketing and member acquisition run through a multilingual website, LinkedIn, Twitter/X, Facebook, Instagram, WeChat, Weibo, email newsletters, press releases, and member referral networks. The foundation is governed by a board chaired by Mario Boselli (currently serving as interim President following Director Marco Bettin's departure in October 2025), with Operations Director Federico Pasini and China Delegate Raphael Cooper leading operational and China-side activities.

Name

Italy-China Foundation

Legal name

Italy China Council Foundation-ICCF

Website

https://italychina.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2022

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The Italy-China Foundation (Fondazione Italia Cina / ICCF) is a Milan-based non-profit association that supports Italian and Chinese companies with market entry, research publications, executive training, trade missions, and networking across the bilateral Italy-China relationship, serving a network of roughly 300 corporate and institutional members.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

International Trade and Business Association Services

NAICS

Business Associations (81391), Civic and Social Organizations (813410)

SIC

International Affairs (9721)

akta.pro primary industry

Community Foundations (BPAGAKAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Corporate Foundations & CSR Grantmaking (BPAGAKAC), International Grantmaking & Development Foundations (BPAGAKAH)

Keywords

• Bilateral trade facilitation
• Business networking events
• Professional training programs
• Policy research publications
• Trade mission coordination

Headquarters

HQ city

Milan

HQ country

Italy

HQ region

Europe

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership fees and services: ICCF generates revenue through membership fees from Italian and Chinese companies and individuals. Members receive access to business support services, research publications, training courses (Academy), networking events, and partnership opportunities between the two countries.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

The Italy-China Foundation is a non-profit organization that helps Italian and Chinese companies build commercial relationships through business support services, applied research, professional training, trade fairs, and B2B delegations. It also produces specialized publications and maintains a member network connecting public institutions, companies, and professionals across both countries.

Product overview

Italy China Council Foundation (ICCF) is a non-profit business association that provides a comprehensive suite of services supporting Italy-China bilateral relations. The organization operates through a platform of interconnected offerings: Business Support Services provides market entry assistance, B2B matchmaking, and trade mission support; the Centro Studi (Research Department) produces publications including the China Report, Mondo Cinese, Monthly Bulletin on Chinese Economy, and China Spotlight; ICCF Academy delivers training programs including the China Executive Training Programme; Trade Fair Services coordinates participation in events like CISCE; and the Italy China Network connects members through working groups and delegations. ICCF was established in June 2022 through the integration of the Italy China Foundation (2003) and Italy-China Chamber of Commerce (1970), with approximately 300 members and partners.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Business Support Services Advisory and operational support unit that helps Italian and Chinese companies identify partners, navigate regulations, and execute cross-border initiatives.
• Centro Studi (Research Department) Research department producing analysis and reports on the Italian-Chinese economic relationship for members and institutional partners.
• ICCF Academy Professional training programs delivering structured education on doing business between Italy and China, used by executives, managers, and consultants.
• Trade Fairs and Events On-site trade fairs, conferences, and seminars designed to connect Italian and Chinese businesses and showcase bilateral commercial opportunities.
• Missions and B2B Delegations Organized business missions and bilateral delegations that bring member companies into direct contact with counterpart firms and institutions in Italy or China.
• China Report Recurring publication providing in-depth reporting and analysis on China-related economic and trade developments relevant to Italian businesses.
• Mondo Cinese Long-running journal covering Italian-Chinese political, economic, and cultural relations, available to members and the broader public.
• Monthly Bulletin on Chinese Economy (MBCE) Monthly bulletin summarizing key Chinese economic indicators, policy moves, and market developments for Italian business readers.
• China Spotlight Focused analytical publication highlighting specific themes, sectors, or developments of interest to Italy-China commercial actors.
• Italy China Network (ICN) Member directory and networking platform connecting Italian and Chinese companies, professionals, and institutions across the foundation's network.
• Working Groups Member-only thematic working groups that convene companies around specific sectors or topics to share intelligence and coordinate engagement with the bilateral relationship.

Quantifiable outcome

• 450 companies supported in the last year
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core, major, minor and flagship.

• Italian Ministry of Foreign AffairscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 April 2026ICCF participated in XVI session of Mixed Economic Commission and Business Dialogue in Beijing and Shanghai following official visit by Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani. Mission aimed at strengthening dialogue with Chinese authorities to improve competitiveness of Italian businesses and foster transparent operating context.
• China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Medicines and Health ProductsmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 April 2026Dialogue on healthcare and pharmaceutical sector cooperation with President Zhou Hui and Vice President Wang Maochun. Italy and China have strong complementarity and wide development margins in this sector.
• China Society of Technology EconomicsminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 April 2026Discussion on opportunities for collaboration in applied research and economic analysis, opening way for new joint projects between research institutions of both countries.
• Palace Museum (Beijing)flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 2026MoU signed for cooperation in cultural projects between Italy and China. ICCF Operations Director Federico Pasini and China Delegate Raphael Cooper met with Palace Museum Deputy Director Lou Wei to develop exhibition projects in both countries, involve cultural and museum sector companies, and promote artistic heritage of both nations.
• MOFCOM (Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 2026Meeting with Director General Yang Zhengwei and team dedicated to Europe-China cooperation. Confirmed shared will to develop broad collaboration creating favorable conditions for companies of both countries. ICCF expressed availability to support MOFCOM through dedicated tools and training activities for companies.
• CPAFFC (Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 2026Meeting with Secretary General Hao Zhongwei on strengthening economic, commercial, cultural, and people-to-people exchanges between Italy and China. Objective to further consolidate friendship and build solid collaborative relations between the two countries.
• UNIIC (Unione Imprenditori Italia-Cina)majorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 2026Fourth edition of Chinese New Year celebration organized with UNIIC, bringing together members and partners. UNIIC President Jie Lin stated the objective is to create connections and generate new opportunities between companies, generations, and between Chinese community and Italian society.
• CCIC/ICCC (Italian Chamber of Commerce in China)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 25 February 2026MoU signed February 2025 (formalized February 2026) consolidating cooperation in EU SME Centre project, publishing and research activities including Mondo Cinese magazine, joint training and institutional events, and mutual support in activities. CCIC has over 800 members and is the largest association of Italian entrepreneurs in Assocamerestero network in Asia-Pacific.
• CCPIT (China Council for the Promotion of International Trade)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 2025Long-standing collaboration strengthened by MoU signed in March 2025 to intensify Italy-China economic cooperation and foster new investment opportunities. ICCF participates in CISCE (China International Supply Chain Expo) organization together with AICE. Joint work on machinery and agribusiness sectors to help companies propose products in respective markets.
• AICE (Associazione Italiana Commercio Estero)majorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorJoint organization of Italian company participation in CISCE (China International Supply Chain Expo) in Beijing. ICCF accepts CCPIT invitation to organize participation of Italian companies together with AICE.
• National Academy of the Lincei (Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-organization of exhibition 'The Imperial Palace of Beijing: historical footage, artists and artisans from the Forbidden City' in Milan. Exhibition held 4-18 May 2026 at Villa Farnesina Auditorium, celebrating centenary of Palace Museum (1925-2025) and 55th anniversary of Italy-China diplomatic relations.
• ISPI (Italian Institute for International Political Studies)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration at China World Festival with ISPI Asia Observatory and Geoeconomics Observatory for economic analysis discussions.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• German Chamber of Commerce in China (AHK Greater China): Bilateral German-Chinese chamber offering member services, trade fairs, training, and policy dialogue. Operates at a larger scale but with an analogous business association model focused on a single European country-China corridor.
• China-Britain Business Council (CBBC): UK counterpart providing bilateral trade and investment facilitation, member services, research, and high-level government engagement. Closely mirrors ICCF's model of national-chamber-led bilateral relationship management.
• Franco-Chinese Chamber of Commerce (CCIFC): France-China bilateral chamber providing member services, networking, publications, and trade missions. Closest direct comparable in structure, scale, and offering mix to ICCF.
• Italian Chamber of Commerce in China (ICCC/CCIC): Largest association of Italian entrepreneurs in the Assocamerestero network in Asia-Pacific with 800+ members. Directly comparable as a bilateral Italy-China business facilitation body — in fact a formal ICCF partner.

Emerging players

• ISPI (Italian Institute for International Political Studies): Italian think tank producing independent analysis on international politics and economics, with an active Asia Observatory. An actual ICCF collaboration partner that produces adjacent China-focused research and convening.

Broad incumbents

• KOTRA (Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency): South Korean government trade and investment promotion agency with global network. Comparable as a state-supported bilateral/multilateral facilitation body providing research, matchmaking, and events.
• European Union Chamber of Commerce in China: Pan-European bilateral chamber operating in China with a much larger member base and broader geographic remit. Comparable business model of cross-border facilitation, member services, and policy advocacy.
• Confindustria: Main Italian employers' federation representing manufacturing and services companies. Comparable as a convener of Italian corporate interests, though operating domestically and across all markets rather than bilaterally with China specifically.
• JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization): Government-backed Japanese trade promotion body with global offices. Comparable as an institutional actor providing market intelligence, missions, and member support — though operating at national-government scale.

Others

• Assocamerestero (Association of Italian Chambers of Commerce Abroad): Umbrella body coordinating the network of Italian Chambers of Commerce abroad, including ICCC. Relevant ecosystem participant that sets standards and aggregates the broader network ICCF operates within.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/italychina
• Facebookfacebook.com/FONDAZIONE-ITALIA-CINA-120312620390
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/fondazione-italia-cina
• Instagraminstagram.com/fondazioneitaliacina

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Italy-China Foundation