Premier Giuseppe Conte has played down concerns about the memorandum of understanding Rome is set to sign for Beijing's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). "We are working to have a future of growth and development and the memorandum with China is a precious opportunity for our businesses," Conte told Il Corriere della Sera.
"It sets out balanced and mutually advantageous cooperation in a transparent framework".
The premier said the memorandum was "perfectly compatible" with Italy's position in NATO and Europe and said there was "no risk of colonization". The BRI is a a massive infrastructure project seeking to create a sort of Silk Road for the modern world. The US and the EU have voiced concern about Italy signing up to it.
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