As government leaders flock to Rome on June 2 to celebrate the 150th anniversary of a unified Italian state, Italy will give a special warm welcome to China's Vice-President Xi Jinping.

His presence on Italian soil is an occasion to take stock of relations between Italy and China which - while generally good - still have untapped potential that would benefit from a more sustained effort at both capitals.

Sectors poised for closer cooperation include tourism, cultural exchanges, trade and investment, and research and development.