Latest news with #Vescovi
The Star
03-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Interview: Former Italian senator sees robust potential for stronger Italy-China ties
ROME, July 3 (Xinhua) -- Former Italian Senator Manuel Vescovi emphasized the potential for enhanced Italy-China cooperation in economic and cultural fields, describing such collaboration as "a gateway to tremendous opportunities." In a recent interview with Xinhua, Vescovi, who served on Italy's Senate Foreign Affairs Committee from 2018 to 2022, urged Italian enterprises to engage with China's dynamic market proactively. "China's market is enormous and still expanding," he said, noting that China has remained Italy's largest Asian trade partner, with bilateral trade reaching 72.54 billion U.S. dollars in 2024. Highlighting particular areas of opportunity such as renewable energy, automotive manufacturing, and agri-food exports, Vescovi said Italy's renowned expertise aligns well with China's market demands. Marking the 55th anniversary of China-Italy diplomatic relations in 2025, he underscored the historic cultural exchanges spanning over two millennia. "We should leverage these historical bonds to propel our partnership to new heights," he said. Recent high-level visits, including those by Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to China, have led to a new three-year cooperation agreement through 2027, focusing on green technology, advanced manufacturing, and cultural exchanges. Vescovi firmly believes in the value of grassroots diplomacy. "It's important to start from the local level rather than relying solely on high-level summits," he said. As an example, he recently led a delegation from Grosseto, Tuscany, to Nanping in China's Fujian Province, initiating a sister-city partnership. During the visit, the two cities signed an agreement and hosted forums on trade, tourism, and education exchanges. By June 2025, Italy and China had established 90 sister-city pairings, which Vescovi sees as essential platforms for tangible and consistent cooperation. During his visit, Vescovi was particularly impressed by China's technological achievements, citing an advanced automobile factory capable of producing a car every 76 seconds as "an incredible engineering achievement." He also toured factories producing eco-friendly bamboo products, highlighting a Fujian-based company keen on opening a branch in Italy, a direct outcome of the sister-city relationship. "Local partnerships foster concrete results through business matchmaking," he noted, emphasizing the need for sustained and consistent engagement. Looking forward, Vescovi is optimistic about the future of Italy-China relations. He envisions scenarios where Italian cities like Grosseto become popular destinations for Chinese tourists, and Chinese tech startups collaborate with Italian artisans. "China has so much to offer, and so do we," he remarked, emphasizing mutual learning opportunities. Specifically, he suggested that Italy could benefit from China's successful territorial marketing and sustainable practices, while China could leverage Italy's expertise in design, high-end manufacturing, and agri-food. Stressing the importance of ongoing cultural exchanges alongside economic collaboration, Vescovi called for regular delegations, student exchanges, and joint cultural initiatives. "Only by being culturally and economically open can we genuinely thrive together," he said, reflecting the enduring legacy of Marco Polo's historic journey, which continues to inspire the strengthening of contemporary Italy-China ties.
Yahoo
31-01-2025
- Yahoo
Former Cambria Heights teacher enters guilty plea in sex case
EBENSBURG, Pa. – A former Cambria Heights High School teacher entered a guilty plea Thursday in Cambria County court regarding his sexual relationship with a student. Isaac Vescovi, 29, accepted a deal with the Cambria County District Attorney's Office and pleaded guilty to one felony count of sexual contact with a student. His charges of corruption of minors, unlawful contact with a minor and criminal use of communications facilities will be dismissed 31 days after sentencing as long as he doesn't appeal the case. Cambria County Judge Tamara Bernstein advised the defendant that the count on which he entered a plea carries a maximum penalty of up to seven years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000. Vescovi said he understood. Terry Graffius, his attorney, requested that sentencing be dealt with at a later date, and the judge scheduled the matter for March 25. However, that may be delayed while Vescovi is evaluated by the Pennsylvania Sexual Offenders Assessment Board for his enrollment with the Megan's Law offenders list, according to the DA's office. The former educator was on administrative leave during the investigation that was launched in October by a ChildLine hotline report. State police alleged Vescovi started an on-and-off relationship with a female student in 2023 that led to thousands of messages – some explicit – exchanged between the two. He also reportedly met the victim at his home for sex, according to police. Cambria Heights officials confirmed Thursday that Vescovi's resignation from his position was accepted by the school board at October's meeting.
