Padoan says privatization plan on course

(ANSA) - Beijing, July 24 - The Italian government's plans for the sale of shares in some State-owned companies will be respected, Economy Minister Pier Carlo Padoan said Thursday.
    "The commitment remains absolutely confirmed," Padoan told reporters during a trip to China where he has been meeting with his Chinese counterpart as well as several senior banking officials.
    He is also scheduled to meet with the governor of China's central bank before travelling to Hong Kong, the last leg of his trip to China.
    The government announced early this year that it would sell some of its shares in State-controlled enterprises, including the post office and the national air-traffic agency, to raise capital to help pay down Italy's sizeable debt.
    During the trip, the China Development Bank signed a memorandum of understanding with Italy's Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (CDP) - Italy's State-controlled lender - on collaborating on future investments in Italy, said the president of the CDP Franco Bassanini.