China-Italy cultural park built in southwest China

CHENGDU, Aug. 3 (Xinhua) -- A joint cultural park between China and Italy will be built in Chengdu city, capital of southwest China's Sichuan Province.

The park, to be located in Chengdu's Tianfu New Area, will see a series of joint projects between China and Italy in the fields of culture, environmental protection, agriculture, and aviation industry, according to an agreement inked in Chengdu Thursday.

China and Italy will enhance cooperation in art, design and music, with events such as Italian music festivals, operas and fashion shows.

Ivan Scalfarotto, Italian vice minister for economic development, said that the two sides could cooperate on common problems troubling mankind, such as aging and urbanization.

He said Italy hoped to play a proactive role in China's Belt and Road Initiative.

Italy's investment in Sichuan grew fast in the first half of 2017, increasing by 14.6 percent year on year to 83.5 million yuan (12.4 million U.S. dollars). Most of the investment focused on manufacturing, garment processing, agricultural products and catering.