ITALY expects to export more of its manufactured products to China, said Alberto Bradanini, the Italian ambassador, adding that the two countries can cooperate in several areas.

"The economic relations between Italy and China have many folds," Bradanini said in an exclusive interview with Shanghai Daily after concluding his first official visit to Shanghai since he became the Italian ambassador in China in January 2013.

Italy is strong in manufacturing and has much to offer in industries such as machinery, car-making, robotics and medical equipment, Bradanini said. For example the exports of machinery account for 40 percent of total Italian exports to China.

He said most people know Italy as home to nearly half of the world's luxury brands, and the country leads the world in fashion and design.

Bradanini said the two countries can cooperate in areas including agriculture, urbanization, healthcare and sustainable development as his country is willing to share its know-how with China.

''We are happy that bilateral trade and investment are growing, but we face structural trade imbalance between us, which needs to be addressed" he said.

For at least 20 years, Italy has run a trade deficit with China, which was more than 16 billion euros (US$20.8 billion) last year, he said.

During his visit to Shanghai, the ambassador proposed a closer business relationship with the city.