The Italian government outlined on Thursday the official program and calendar for Shanghai Expo, stressing the importance for Italy of taking part in such a global event.

"Shanghai 2010 has been defined as the greatest Italian mission to China after the one of Marco Polo. And our new Marco Polo is called Beniamino Quintieri," Undersecretary of State Gianni Letta said at a press conference at the government's headquarters, praising the excellent work done by the commissioner for Shanghai Expo.

The event is set to be crucial for Sino-Italian relations. Foreign Minister Franco Frattini explained that the Italian government looked forward to the Shanghai Expo as the first opportunity this year to boost bilateral ties with China and increase cooperation and mutual investments.

"Our aim in the near future is to become China's privileged partner. China is not just an economic power, but a global protagonist on the world stage and this is why we intend to bring more of Italy in China, and more of China in Italy," Frattini stressed.

Other occasions to further contacts, he highlighted, will be offered by the Chinese culture year in Italy kicking-off in September and the celebrations of the second death bicentenary of missioner Matteo Ricci (Li Madou). This year will also mark the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relation between China and Italy.

Frattini pointed out that Shanghai will serve as a strategic launch pad for the promotion of the following Milan Universal Exposition scheduled for 2015, towards which Italy is looking forward with great expectations.

Commissioner Quintieri described the incredible job done in these last two years and praised the spirit of collaboration between public and private institutions in preparing for Shanghai.

"Shanghai Expo will be a great event. We are expecting between 20,000 and 30,000 visitors a day at our more than 7,000 square meters pavilion, one of the largest and most innovative."

The pavilion, titled 'The City of Man -- The Italian way of life,' will be showcasing the Italian style and the best of the Made-in-Italy. The country's excellences on display include high- quality design, wellness, green technology, innovation, industry, manufacture, art and culture.

"Our pavilion is a blend of tradition and innovation, which are both Italian trademarks," Quintieri explained. "It will produce strong emotions in the visitor."

Walking there will be as living an incredible six-senses experience. Fashion shows and painting expositions, including the first one of Caravaggio in China, will capture the eye. Classical ballet, opera, a jazz concert and a performance by world-famous composer Ennio Morricone are set to delight the ears, while two restaurants offering the best of Italian cuisine will gratify the public's taste buds.

The pavilion, went on Quintieri, will be divided in 5 thematic areas representing Italian excellences: motion (exposing the first ecological Ferrari model), the 'making of' (where real-life artisans will be shown at work), architecture, high-tech and 'a byte of Italy' (typical food).

A total of 25 temporary exhibitions are planned showcasing the Italian creativity including jewelry and urban design. All the 21 regions will be present through a rotation scheme while three cities will be given a special area: Rome, Milan and Naples.

Quintieri pointed out that for the first time the real protagonists of this world expo will be Italy's small and medium enterprises, that compose over 90 percent of the industrial sector.

"They look with hope to China and have understood the importance of being present there," he said.

(Xinhua April 9, 2010)