Professor Renzo Cavalieri from the School of Law, Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, was invited by the College to deliver a lecture on Haidian Campus, titled ‘International Commercial Contracts, Investment and Dispute Resolution: A Perspective from China–Italy Trade Relations’ on the morning of 3 Nov.

The lecture was chaired by Professor Fei Anling, with Lecturer Xu Jianbo from the College and Lecturer Zhang Ying from the Institute for Data Law and Governance serving as discussants.

During the lecture, Cavalieri outlined the evolving complexity of commercial contracts, ranging from basic sales contracts, supply contracts, distribution agreements, and agency contracts, to more sophisticated manufacturing and technological cooperation or joint venture agreements. Regarding foreign direct investment, he discussed the distinctions between greenfield and brownfield investments, and analysed the role of “golden powers” in regulating cross-border investments between China and Italy. On dispute resolution, Cavalieri highlighted international arbitration as the preferred mechanism for Sino–Italian commercial disputes, owing to its independence, flexibility, and the ease of cross-border enforcement under the New York Convention.

In the discussion session, Fei stressed that party autonomy in contract law must operate within the boundaries of mandatory legal provisions, and underscored the importance of due diligence in cross-border mergers and acquisitions. Xu elaborated on the implications of Italy’s “golden power” regime for China–EU cross-border investments, while Zhang reflected on the EU Supply Chain Due Diligence Directive, noting its potential to extend corporate responsibility beyond domestic supply chains.

In closing, Fei expressed gratitude to Professor Cavalieri, the discussants and all participants, expressing the hope of welcoming Cavalieri to CUPL again for further academic exchange and collaboration.