June 7th witnessed the visit to SISI made by Taranto Port Authority delegation. Deputy Secretary Li Gang received the Italian guests on behalf of SISI.
     The two sides held a friendly exchange on their respective functions and outlook at first. The Port of Taranto ranks third in Italy as far as volume of goods is concerned, having reached its highest performance in 2006 with about 50 million tons of cargo handled. It is a major international facility which thanks to its strategic location in the heart of the Mediterranean sea, along the main trade lanes between Eastern and Western markets, the ideal port of call for commercial shipping between Europe and the rest of the World. Taranto Port Authority is a public agency whose main task is to identify, programme, co-ordinate and control commercial and industrial activities carried out in the port area.
     Recognizing the need and potential of cooperation between SISI and Taranto Port Authority, Prof. Sergio Prete, President of Taranto Port Authority, and Li Gang, inked a memorandum of understanding on the occasion. Both parties have adequate reasons that the signing of this agreement will build a network in the field of maritime and port related sciences both in China and in Italy, enhancing information exchange and resources sharing. In order to unfold brilliant prospect of cooperation, SISI warmly invited Prof. Sergio Prete to conduct short-term research project cooperation in Shanghai.