JOHANNESBURG - Chinese Premier Li Qiang pledged Saturday China is ready to strengthen alignment of development strategies with Italy and forge a more stable and fruitful comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.

Li made the remarks when meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on the sidelines of the 20th Group of 20 Summit scheduled here for Saturday and Sunday. 

He also said the Chinese side is willing to enhance connectivity and synergy with the Italian side in markets and industries, and promote optimized and balanced development of bilateral trade. 

Li pledged greater access for Italian companies to the Chinese market via expos and other platforms.

ALSO READ: China, Italy reaffirm strong ties, pledge closer cooperation

China encourages more Italian companies to enter the Chinese market through platforms such as the China International Import Expo, the China International Fair for Trade in Services, the China International Consumer Products Expo, and the China International Supply Chain Expo, Li said.

China also expects Italy to provide a fair, transparent and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese enterprises to invest in Italy, Li added.