“The negotiation is not over yet, but it is possible that it will be concluded in time for the visit,” said Michele Geraci the undersecretary in the Italian economic development ministry.

China’s Belt and Road initiative envisaged by President Xi seeks to build a pan-global version of the old silk route. It aims to link China with southeast and central Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and Africa through a vast network of sea and land connectivity infrastructure.

Under the program, Xi aims to boost trade and investment along with exchanges in science, technology, education, and culture.

Geraci also explained the rationale of Italy’s plan saying the country wanted ‘Made in Italy’ products to get more success in terms of higher export volumes to China, which he called the world’s fastest-growing market.

But Italy’s decision drew a critical reaction from the United States. Garrett Marquis, White House National Security Council spokesperson said the China project is unlikely to help Italy economically and it will only damage Italy’s international image.

“We view BRI as a ‘made by China, for China’ initiative,” the report quoted Marquis as saying.

For China, Italy’s decision is a big boost given the fact that it is the first endorsement by a G-7 nation.

Despite the noble objective envisioned by China, many see China’s Belt and Road infrastructure investment program as Beijing’s way to expand its influence globally via enhanced land and maritime connectivity across Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Europe.