Riccardo Sessa, the Italian ambassador to China, praised Shenzhen as "a model of China's rapid economic development and urbanization representing China's present and future" during an interview with the Shenzhen Daily in Guangzhou yesterday.

"Shenzhen has been a model of China's rapid economic development and urbanization over the past two decades," Sessa said. "Shenzhen represents China's today and tomorrow."

Sessa, who has been in China for about 10 months, was on a two-day visit to Guangzhou and Foshan in Guangdong Province.

Sessa said he had visited Shenzhen in July, six months after he took office in Beijing.

"Italian investment in Shenzhen has taken on a rapid development in recent years, covering sectors ranging from traditional manufacturing to high-tech industries," Sessa said.

Sessa recalled visiting Shenzhen's Huawei Technologies, a world leader in next-generation telecommunications networks, and negotiating a cooperation agreement with the company.

Statistics from the Italian Chamber of Commerce show more than 30 Italian companies are currently doing business in Shenzhen in industries such as high technology, leather and trade. About 200 Italians currently work and live in the city.

Born in Massa in 1947, Sessa began his diplomatic career in 1973.

In January 2006, he was named Italian ambassador to China.

(Shenzhen Daily October 24, 2007)