Giovanni Paladini receives the letter of appointment as a foreign river chief from an official in Qingtian county, Zhejiang province on Aug 24. [Photo/zjol.com.cn]

Giovanni Paladini, a former member of Italy's parliament, took the role of a foreign river chief in Qingtian county of Lishui, Zhejiang province on Aug 24.

River chiefs are an army of volunteer inspectors that Zhejiang has created to tackle its water pollution problems. Paladini is expected to offer suggestions and advice for the county's water management based on his own knowledge and experience, and he will also bring the advanced measures Qingtian implements back to his country.

Ye Xianping, an overseas Qingtian businessman who traveled to Italy in 1992 and returned to the county several years ago, was the go-between for this cooperation.

"I lived in Italy for 28 years and witnessed some effective methods the European country had adopted to deal with water problems," Ye said. Then he had an idea of inviting his Italian friends to inspect the water environment in Qingtian and give some suggestions. Paladini is the person.

At a symposium on Aug 24, the Italian man introduced the water environment in his country and shared his own opinions on how to efficiently improve water treatment. Paladini hoped there would be more exchanges between China and Italy on this issue and sent out an invitation to Qingtian officials to visit Italy.

"Focusing on the water environment in such a beautiful county is very important," he said.

Giovanni Paladini, accompanied by Ye Xianping, inspects the rivers in Qingtian county, Zhejiang province on Aug 24. [Photo/zjol.com.cn]

Giovanni Paladini and Qingtian officials hold a symposium on Aug 24, exchanging ideas on water treatment. [Photo/zjol.com.cn]