An expert on the Chinese economy at Nottingham University Business School China (NUBS China) has been awarded one of Italy’s highest honours from the President of the Italian republic.

Michele Geraci has been awarded the title of ‘Knight of the Order of the Star of Italy’ for his contribution over the years in promoting the relationship between Italy and China, through his work in the fields of economics and finance.

The President of Italy, Sergio Mattarella, will present the award to Michele later in the summer.

NUBS China

Michele is based at The University of Nottingham Ningbo China – which was formed in 2004 and was the first independent Sino-foreign University. NUBS China is among the world’s top-ranked business schools.

Michele said: “I am extremely honoured and moved to receive such a prestigious award. I will continue to strive to contribute to a better understanding of China’s economy, especially needed during this period of challenging transition and to promote healthy bilateral relationships between Italy and China.

“I wish to express my gratitude to the past and present Italian Ambassadors in China, the Consul General of Shanghai and all members of the diplomatic body for promoting my candidacy to the President of Italy, Mattarella. Many thanks to the institutions that I have worked with during these years, The University of Nottingham Ningbo China, The Global Policy Institute and Zhejiang University for providing the solid platforms that are necessary to conduct good work.

“I also want to thank all those who worked with me over these years, my research assistants, and students, colleagues in both China and Europe. May this be an encouragement to all.”

Michele Geraci

Michele, who holds an MBA from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and speaks five languages, is a well-known public figure in the international financial world and in Chinese economic circles. He has worked in China since 2008, as an advisor to governments, corporations and investors, offering practical-oriented policy recommendations and investment advice.

Prof Michele Geraci on BBC World News, 8 January 2016

Michele is a frequent guest speaker at conferences and forums, a frequent host of TV shows (CCTV, Rai, BBC, etc.) and is a regular contributor to China Daily op-ed and a columnist for Caixin and II Sole 24 Ore Radiocor. He is now a well-respected consultant on China economy for governments and enterprises worldwide.

The Order of the Star of Italy

The Order of the star of Italy represents a particular honour granted to all those, Italians abroad or foreign, who have acquired special merits in the promotion of friendly relations and cooperations between Italy and other countries and the promotion of ties with Italy.

It was first founded as a national order by the first President of the Italian republic, Enrico De Nicola, to recognise civilian and military expatriates or foreigners who made an outstanding contribution to the reconstruction of Italy after World War II.