Italy join initiative

ITALY has signed a memorandum of understanding with China in support of Beijing’s “Belt and Road” initiative, which aims to weave a network of ports, bridges and power plants linking China with Africa, Europe and beyond.

Premier Giuseppe Conte and Chinese President Xi Jinping shook hands during a ceremony in Rome after 29 separate sections of the memorandum were signed.

With the memorandum, Italy becomes the first member of the Group of Seven major economies to join.