"Chongqing plays a critical role in the Belt and Road Initiative," Zhao says.

The city is situated at the connecting point of the Belt and Road and the Yangtze River Economic Belt. It's a gateway to the country's inland areas. The Jialing River flows through the municipality.

Giada now has nearly 60 stores in China and a flagship store on Via Montenapoleone in Milan's central luxury-shopping area. The brand's first boutique in North America opened in Boston in February and it is looking to open stores in New York, London and Paris.

"Zhao (Yizheng) is fully aware of the great potential of the Chinese market," said Lorenzo Gonzo, a senior official at the Italian consulate in Chongqing, at the opening ceremony of a Giada boutique near the Liberation Monument ahead of the show.

The Chongqing boutique, designed by Italian architect and designer Claudio Silvestrin, features monolithic limestone totems and cast bronze pedestals.