Wang told Tajani that China is prepared to work with Italy to unlock further “potential” in bilateral ties, signalling interest in deepening collaboration despite broader shifts in global trade dynamics.

China is open to expanding cooperation in areas including e-commerce, agriculture and food, healthcare and the development of industrial parks, the commerce ministry said, outlining sectors seen as key to future engagement.

The meeting reflects ongoing efforts by Beijing to sustain and diversify trade relationships with European partners, as global supply chains and geopolitical alignments continue to evolve.

The three-day visit, which started on Tuesday, comes days after the EU agreed to overhaul its customs system, targeting largely Chinese e-commerce platforms with stricter safety checks and potential fines for selling illegal or non-compliant goods.

A nine-member delegation led by Anna Cavazzini, chair of the European Parliament’s Internal Market and Consumer Protection committee, met officials from China’s market regulator and members of the National People’s Congress in Beijing, according to statements from the parliamentary body.

During discussions with China’s State Administration for Market Regulation, EU lawmakers highlighted concerns over what they described as a high influx of dangerous and non-compliant products entering the European market from China.

The talks also covered the liability of online marketplaces and the need to ensure fair competition.The delegation raised broader issues including forced labour, protection of minors online and longstanding concerns about access for European companies to the Chinese market, the parliamentary committee said.

Beijing welcomed the visit as an opportunity to stabilise relations following its decision last year to lift sanctions on several EU lawmakers, a move seen as an attempt to ease trade tensions at a time of growing friction with the United States.

China had imposed sanctions in 2021 on 10 EU individuals and four entities in response to European measures targeting Chinese officials over alleged human rights abuses in Xinjiang.

The EU is grappling with a surge in low-value e-commerce imports, with 5.8 billion parcels entering the bloc in 2025, more than 90% of which are estimated to originate from China.

Under current rules, parcels valued below 150 euros are exempt from customs duties, a threshold that has supported the rapid expansion of platforms such as Shein, Temu and AliExpress.

EU lawmakers are expected to meet representatives from major Chinese e-commerce firms during the visit, including Shein, Alibaba and Temu.

The meeting with Shein follows a February investigation into the sale of child-like sex dolls on its platform, adding to regulatory scrutiny of online marketplaces operating across borders.

India’s leading food and grocery delivery giant Swiggy has approved a massive ₹100 billion fundraise through a qualified institutional placement (QIP), marking a strong move to expand its business, strengthen technology, and boost long-term growth.

Swiggy’s decision to raise up to ₹100 billion ($1.14 billion) through a QIP highlights the company’s confidence in India’s rapidly growing digital economy.

This move comes as the company continues to solidify its leadership position in the food delivery and quick-commerce sectors while preparing for a new phase of expansion.

The funding initiative will provide Swiggy with fresh capital to strengthen its technology infrastructure, enhance delivery efficiency, and expand its market presence across India’s tier-2 and tier-3 cities.

The company’s focus remains on deepening customer engagement, improving the delivery experience, and building sustainable profitability.

Swiggy, which recently made its stock market debut on the National Stock Exchange (NSE), has been a key player in India’s digital transformation journey.

The platform has revolutionized the way millions of Indians access food and groceries, providing convenient and reliable service through its massive delivery network.

Managing Director and Group CEO Sriharsha Majety has emphasized Swiggy’s commitment to innovation and long-term growth.
He believes that this fundraise will further accelerate the company’s vision of becoming India’s most trusted on-demand convenience platform.

The QIP will allow Swiggy to attract institutional investors and strengthen its capital base without increasing debt. It also signals investor confidence in India’s fast-growing online services sector, which continues to expand with rising internet penetration and evolving consumer preferences.

Swiggy’s move comes at a time when competition in India’s delivery industry remains intense, with rivals such as Zomato, Zepto, and Blinkit investing heavily in logistics and quick delivery models. However, Swiggy’s diverse portfolio, including its grocery arm Instamart, restaurant partnerships, and cloud kitchen initiatives, has helped it maintain a strong position in the market.

The company’s strategy focuses on balancing growth with operational efficiency. By leveraging data analytics, artificial intelligence, and advanced logistics technology, Swiggy aims to reduce delivery times, optimize routes, and deliver a superior customer experience.

In addition to expanding its core food and grocery business, Swiggy is exploring new opportunities in digital payments, advertising, and last-mile delivery solutions. This diversification strategy ensures stability and sustained profitability even as consumer trends evolve.

Swiggy’s financial discipline, combined with its innovative mindset, continues to make it one of India’s most admired technology-driven companies. Its success story represents the broader potential of India’s startup ecosystem and its ability to attract global investment.

The company’s public listing earlier this year was met with strong investor interest, signaling high confidence in Swiggy’s future. Now, with the fresh capital injection from this QIP, Swiggy is well-positioned to scale its operations and deepen its influence across India’s digital economy.

Industry experts have described this move as a positive signal for the Indian startup sector. The fundraise not only reflects Swiggy’s financial strength but also reinforces India’s growing reputation as a hub for innovation, entrepreneurship, and digital transformation.

Swiggy’s expansion plans include increasing its delivery fleet, supporting local restaurant partners, and investing in environmentally sustainable operations. Its long-term mission is to make every delivery faster, greener, and more accessible to consumers nationwide.

As India’s online economy continues to thrive, Swiggy’s bold fundraise serves as a testament to its ambition and resilience.
The company’s ability to adapt, innovate, and grow even amid a competitive landscape makes it a key driver of India’s digital future.

The new capital comes at a time when the demand for ultra-fast delivery of groceries, daily essentials, and other products is surging, reflecting the changing habits of urban consumers across India.

Founded in 2021, Zepto has quickly positioned itself at the forefront of India’s rapid digital adoption and urban convenience economy.

The platform enables customers to receive groceries and other essentials in under 10 minutes, a service that has rapidly gained traction among busy city dwellers.

Zepto’s growth mirrors the broader expansion of India’s quick commerce market, which was valued at around 640 billion rupees in fiscal year 2025 and is projected to triple by 2028, according to analytics firm CareEdge.

“Our success is a reflection of how urban consumers in India are embracing convenience without compromising on choice or quality,” said Aadit Palicha, CEO and co-founder of Zepto.

“With approximately $900 million of net cash in the bank, we are extremely well-capitalized and ready to accelerate our growth, invest in technology, and enhance the customer experience across the country.”

The latest funding round attracted both new and existing investors, including U.S.-based pension fund California Public Employees’ Retirement System, General Catalyst, Goodwater Capital, and Lightspeed.

This diverse investor base underscores growing global confidence in India’s quick commerce ecosystem and Zepto’s ability to lead the sector.

The company’s valuation has jumped from $5 billion in its previous funding round last year, demonstrating strong investor belief in its growth potential and operational excellence.

Zepto competes with major players such as Eternal’s Blinkit and Swiggy’s Instamart, and has steadily expanded its product range to include more than 45,000 items, covering groceries, electronics, and apparel.

Its service is increasingly popular among tech-savvy urban consumers who value speed, convenience, and reliability.

By combining advanced logistics, intelligent inventory management, and a focus on hyper-local delivery hubs, Zepto has created a scalable model that meets the rising expectations of modern shoppers.

Industry experts say Zepto’s success highlights a broader trend in India’s retail landscape. Urban lifestyles, growing smartphone penetration, and a preference for digital-first shopping experiences have accelerated the adoption of quick commerce platforms.

As more consumers opt for fast, seamless, and personalized delivery services, companies like Zepto are set to play a pivotal role in transforming everyday shopping habits.

Zepto’s recent achievements also point to the potential for future public market success.

With plans for an eventual public listing, the company is preparing to leverage its strong market position, robust funding, and innovative technology to capture an even larger share of India’s booming e-commerce and quick commerce markets.

Analysts note that Zepto’s ability to scale rapidly while maintaining customer satisfaction positions it as a standout performer in the sector.

“The growth of Zepto reflects a powerful shift in how Indians shop for essentials,” said a market analyst. “Consumers are increasingly expecting instant access to products, and Zepto’s infrastructure and capital position allow it to meet this demand efficiently and reliably.”

As India’s quick commerce ecosystem continues to expand, Zepto’s strategic funding, strong valuation, and customer-focused operations exemplify the positive momentum in the sector.

With continued investment in technology, logistics, and product offerings, the platform is well-poised to redefine the future of urban retail in India and set a benchmark for innovation in convenience-driven commerce.