Romeo Orlandi is an economist and sinologist, as well as Vice President of the Association Italy-ASEAN. Professor of Globalization and Far East at the University of Bologna, he also teaches various post-graduate courses. He has directed the think tank Osservatorio Asia since its inception in 2004. He was Trade Commissioner for the Italian Government in Singapore, Shanghai, and Beijing (for Greater China). He is an international strategic consultant for governmental institutions and companies, a regular contributor to national and international media, and author of several books on China, India, Vietnam, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia and ASEAN. He is Special Ambassador for Asia in the Bid Committee for Expo Roma 2030.