Beijing - Chinese President Hu Jintao left Beijing Sunday for Italy, to attend a meeting of the G8 industrial powers, along with leaders from other emerging economies, state media reported. Hu will join leaders from India, Brazil, South Africa and Mexico in the meeting scheduled for July 8-10 in L'Aquila, Italy, Xinhua news agency reported.
The meeting is part of a longer state visit to Italy from July 5 to 8, and will be followed by an official visit to Portugal on July 10 and 11.
Hu was accompanied by senior officials including Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi, Minister of Commerce Chen Deming, and Minister of the National Development and Reform Commission Zhang Ping.
The delegation also includes 200 Chinese businessmen, who will be promoting trade and investment, Xinhua said. Hu is also expected to attend business forums in Italy and Portugal.
