The Hai'an Economic and Technological Development Zone and the China-Italy Hai'an Ecological Park donate medical supplies to support Mantova, Italy. [Photo/WeChat account: hafbwx]

Beniamino Morselli, governor of Mantova in northern Italy, sent a letter to Hai'an, Nantong, Jiangsu province on March 26, expressing gratitude for its timely provision of medical supplies and the hope of deeper cooperation between two sides.

The Hai'an Economic and Technological Development Zone and the China-Italy Hai'an Ecological Park have donated a total of 40,000 face masks to Mantova since March 3, and 10,000 more face masks are set to be delivered soon. In addition, protective suits and thermometers are also being gathered to help Italy fight the novel coronavirus.

The friendship between Italy and the development zone started years ago. In October 2014, the two sides signed a memorandum of understanding to establish the China-Italy Hai'an Ecological Park.

With the help of advanced technology, influential brands and skilled professionals in Italy, the ecological park has made strides in five major industries, namely precision machinery, textiles and silks, high-end furniture, energy conservation and ecological agriculture.

"We know that China is short on supplies, but the country still helped us, which is encouraging. We believe we can win the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic by working together," Morselli wrote.

Gu Guobiao, secretary of the Hai'an branch of the Party committee, said the county-level city will work with Mantova to overcome difficulties amid the pandemic.