China mulls partnership with Italian airline

China could form a partnership with Italian airline Alitalia, which is intended for privatization, according to Italy's Foreign Minister Massimo D'Alema. "I can testify that there is interest from the Chinese," D'Alema told a conference organized by the Italy-China foundation, AP reported. "They looked at the accounts and relations with labor unions with a certain concern. But they said they would be ready to discuss." The Italian government wants to sell off its 49.9% stake in a bid to turn around the struggling airline. D'Alema said the goal would be to create an international hub for Chinese who want to come to Italy, a development that would strengthen Italy's Far East business and tourism links.