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Interview: Milan Expo presents opportunity for Italy, China: Italian agriculture minister:

Xinhua, March 19, 2015 Adjust font size:

Italian Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry Policies Maurizio Martina has said that the upcoming 2015 Milan Expo is an opportunity not only for Italy, but also for China.

"From China we expect that you will be able to showcase your model, the means, the instruments, the ideas and the innovation you are coming up with," Martina told Xinhua in a recent exclusive interview.

"And also, on sustainability, this is another important issue, the sustainability of agricultural model, this is something we have to discuss," he added.

"China has been one of the most active participants since the establishment of the World Expo," he said.

Martina said that during the six months of the Expo, it will be very important to share and compare technology, innovation and best practices, in order to understand how to reach a better balance between production and food needs.

The 2015 Milan Expo is scheduled to take place in the Italian business capital from May to October. Over 20 million visitors are expected during the event.

This year the theme of the expo is "Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life", with up to 70 percent of events and activities related to agriculture, food and nutrition.

During the event, a charter of commitment in pursuing the universal right to healthy and sustainable nutrition will be signed and delivered to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon when he visits the Expo in October.

Italy has invested 1.3 billion euros in the 2015 Milan Expo and additional 1 billion euros have come from participants. Endit