From 30 November to 2 December, the 2025 International Conference on Understanding China was held in Guangzhou. In an exclusive interview with a reporter from CMG (China Media Group), former Italian Prime Minister and former European Commission President Romano Prodi, who came to China to attend the conference, said that China has achieved tremendous changes in recent years, especially in the field of advanced technology. China's industrial structure covers a wide range, and its value chain connects various manufacturing areas, which is unique.
Zou Yun, CMG reporter: You mentioned that you first visited China in the 1980s, initially in Tianjin, and since then you have travelled throughout China. Professor, which aspect of China's development and transformation has impressed you the most?
Romano Prodi, former Italian Prime Minister and former President of the European Commission: All aspects. China has undergone tremendous change in terms of science and technology. As an economist, I never expected China to achieve such great changes. Its manufacturing strength and efficiency are widely known, and it has also made a leap in the value chain in the field of advanced technology, which is even more remarkable.
By observing Chinese society, I have found that the Chinese people accept new technologies more quickly than Europe, and now the Chinese are very quick to understand new ideas and technologies. China's industrial structure covers a wide range of sectors, from clothing to precision instrument manufacturing, and can integrate different chains to create new patterns. Today, China's value chain is unique in that it is interconnected with various manufacturing areas.
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