HAIKOU, June 9 (Xinhua) -- The Haikou Italian Design Cross-border Promotion Center was officially launched Wednesday in Haikou, capital of south China's tropical island province of Hainan.

       The center is part of partner country activities of the first Hainan Design Week, a public platform for innovative design, according to Sun Qun, president of Hainan Design Week Co., Ltd.

       "The design week event aims to cover the whole island all year round," Sun said. "We also hope to build a long-term exhibition scheme and actively connect the event with European countries."

       According to Sun, the Marche region of Italy is the first official government partner of the Haikou Italian Design Cross-border Promotion Center.

       "As a renowned hub for design, Marche is the center of 'Made in Italy.' In the future, Hainan Design Week is expected to bring more international resources to Hainan and propel global cooperation in the design industry, while supporting the building of Hainan into an international design island," Sun said.

       Massimo Bagnasco, CEO and founder of China Europe Carbon Neutral Technology Co., Ltd., said the event marks a new step to enhance the relationship between China and Italy in many fields.

       "Since Hainan began exploring free trade port construction and targets to build itself into an international design island, design industries have thrived in the province," said Hu Bo, an official with the provincial department of industry and information technology.