Zhan Chunxin, who was a university professor before becoming an entrepreneur, is currently chairman of Zoomlion, a Chinese company that is the world leader in the construction industry and transport equipment sector, operating in Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, North America and the Middle East. Especially in recent years, Zhan Chunxin has shown great interest in Italy, and through his activities has helped to significantly strengthen economic relations between the People’s Republic of China and Italy. Notably, Zhan Chunxin is the prime mover behind the most important Chinese investment in Italy, as well as the second largest acquisition carried out by a Chinese group in Europe. In 2008 Zoomlion acquired Compagnia Italiana Forme Acciaio SpA – CIFA, a company based in Senago (MI) that specialises in equipment for the concrete industry. This operation led to the formation of the largest concrete mixer manufacturing and construction industry equipment group in the world.