Dozens of Italian companies have been awarded for their business ties with China at the annual China Awards in Milan.

The Italy-China Council Foundation says that despite restrictions because of the pandemic, imports/exports increased this year by 9 percent. 

Among the 24 companies recognized is the Distilleria Artigianale Milano, owned and operated by Angelo Zhao. 

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The 35-year-old was born and raised in Milan, but his company also reflects his Chinese heritage with a parallel production line that makes paichiew for the Chinese market and grappa, brandy, and gin for the Italian market. 

"Let me use a phrase which is how the project started — we need more bridges and less walls. And so we want to be a bridge that can take the Italian culture to the Chinese people and take the Chinese culture to the Italians." says Zhao. 

Another company recognized is the Chinese Box, a bar that over the past two decades has become an establishment in Milan. 

Owner Luca Hu says he's humbled to be awarded for his hard work. 

"After 22 years of business we are known not only by people in Milan but all Italians. From 2015 to 2019, our bar experienced the biggest economic growth and increase in personnel as outlined by important business paper ilSole24."

Hu now runs three bars in Milan and even has his own cocktail school.

"Many Chinese people in Italy have created a market-based business while we have chosen a different, difficult and more competitive industry because there is a culture of at least 80-100 years preceding mine in the bar sector." 

"As Asians, we don't have the tradition and ideology of mixing alcohol, so it wasn't easy for us, but challenges are good in life." 

China's imports to Italy increased by 23 percent this year, but because of COVID-19 restrictions, Italy's overall exports to China were down by 10 percent. 

However, the Italy-China Council Foundation is confident of a Made in Italy recovery next year. 

"Food, fashion and furniture, we say the three "f's" but if you look at the data, you can see that actually Italy's main export to China is related to machinery" explains the Director General Marco Bettin. 

At the recent G20 Summit, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni told the Chinese President that she wants to strengthen trade ties between the two countries.

"It is a very important sign, actually we were all waiting for such a sign from our government. They opened the door to the relationship between Italy and China, which is a very strategic market for Italy." says Bettin enthusiastically. 

For many, it's news worthy of raising a glass, ahead of a new year.