ROME, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) -- Italy's major newspapers on Wednesday closely followed possible new trade chances at the second China International Import Expo (CIIE) running in Shanghai on Nov. 5-10.

Most comments focused on bilateral trade relations and possible positive developments brought by the CIIE, given a memorandum of understanding on the Belt and Road initiative (BRI) signed in March between the two countries.

"Italy is one of the 15 guest countries of honor at the second CIIE, and the Italian Foreign Minister (Luigi Di Maio) has been welcomed as it occurs to heads of state and government," Rome-based daily La Repubblica reported.

Italy and France attached great importance to the CIIE to gain easier access to the Chinese market, according to Turin-based La Stampa newspaper.

French President Emmanuel Macron said that "we need China and its market to open more, and China as well needs the world," it wrote, "Along the same lines as Macron, Di Maio recalled that an international cooperation marked by openness, sustainability, and equal conditions among economic actors is crucial to Italy."

In his various talks at the CIIE, Di Maio stressed both Chinese investments in Italy and Italian agrifood exports to China would need a boost, according to the newspaper.

Italy's business daily Il Sole 24 Ore also noted Italy has so far received a very warm welcome at the second CIIE.

Noting that Italy was the first country of the Group of Seven that signed the memorandum of understanding with China on the BRI, it wrote "the Chinese courtesy has been undeniable."