The Changsha-Florence Economic and Cultural Exchange Programme was launched on May 24 at the International Finance Square (IFS), Changsha. Wang Tingkai, deputy director of the Department of Commerce of Hunan Province; Wang Tize, deputy secretary general of Changsha Municipal People's Government; Lucia De Siervo, director of Florence Economic Development and Tourism Bureau; and Marta Fallani, director of Florence Economic and Trade Development Bureau, and Florence Economic and Tourism Promotion Division, attended the launching ceremony.

"Florence is the art capital of the world and the cultural center of Europe, while Changsha is the City of Media Arts of the world and the Culture City of East Asia. The two cities share a long history and profound culture, and have great prospects for cooperation,” said Deputy Secretary General Wang. Via the channel of IFS, Changsha has launched a series of international exchange activities. This cooperation with Florence can not only help introduce advanced European concepts and technologies, but also provide a good opportunity for Changsha's cultural industry to "go global". It will help accelerate Changsha's internationalization and present the city to the world.

Lucia De Siervo congratulated on the opening of the programme, and looked forward to learning from and developing together with Changsha in economy, culture, fashion, and other fields.

The event came to a climax when a crossover opera was performed by French and Hunan singers. After the launching ceremony, Chinese and foreign guests attended the Sino-Italian Cultural and Fashion Exchange Summit Forum, discussing future opportunities and cooperation prospects. (http://en.changsha.gov.cn)