Gianfranco Terenzi: the Visionary Statesman Who Forged Global Bridges

The Republic of San Marino and the international business community recall with admiration a figure of extraordinary foresight and unwavering dedication: Gianfranco Terenzi. His influence, originating from one of the world’s oldest and most serene republics, rippled with surprising dynamism across continents, establishing him as a pivotal “bridge builder” of the modern era. Known affectionately in Beijing as “Lao Pengyou” – the Old Friend of China – Terenzi embodied a rare confluence of roles: a consummate statesman, a pioneering entrepreneur (born in San Marino on January 2, 1941), and a genuine ambassador of San Marino’s deeply rooted values alongside Italy’s renowned ingenuity and entrepreneurial ethos, often encapsulated by the globally respected “Made in Italy” hallmark. As a devoted husband and father to three children, his life’s work was profoundly dedicated to constructing pathways – between nations, cultures, and economies – with an ever-present, discerning focus on empowering the frequently underrepresented yet vital small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

A Foundation of Entrepreneurship and Enduring Public Service

Gianfranco Terenzi’s entrepreneurial odyssey commenced in 1962, an inception that laid the robust groundwork for a career distinguished by consistent innovation and an intuitive grasp of pivotal economic drivers. His inherent passions were notably diverse, extending well beyond the confines of the boardroom into the rich cultural sphere, where he cultivated keen interests in theatre, football, aeromodelling, and aeronautics – pursuits reflecting a multifaceted, vibrant, and endlessly curious personality. This expansive worldview undoubtedly informed his sophisticated and holistic approach to public service. For over three decades, he served with an unwavering, almost paternal commitment as President of the National Union of Artisans of San Marino (UNAS), subsequently becoming its esteemed Honorary President. This extensive tenure was far from a mere ceremonial title; it represented a profound, lifelong dedication to the skilled craftspeople and resilient small businesses that constitute the very backbone of San Marino’s distinctive economy, tirelessly advocating for their sustained growth and well-deserved recognition. Such foundational commitment to the SME sector was a clear and compelling precursor to his impactful international endeavors and his prescient vision for truly global SME cooperation.

A Pillar of Sammarinese Statesmanship and Transcendent Vision

Gianfranco Terenzi’s illustrious political career, which took flight in the 1970s, was intrinsically marked by an unshakeable dedication to his nation, intertwined with a remarkably far-reaching and inclusive vision. He served the Republic of San Marino with unparalleled distinction as Captain Regent – the joint Head of State, an office of unique historical lineage – on four separate, memorable occasions: in 1987-1988, 2000-2001, 2006, and again in 2014-2015. This signal achievement, a rarity in the annals of any nation, powerfully underscores the deep reservoir of trust and profound, widespread respect he commanded amongst his compatriots. Often described as a “politician of great vision,” he remained deeply tethered to his homeland’s ancient soil, yet consistently projected San Marino’s gaze far beyond its well-defined borders, most notably and with enduring effect towards the People’s Republic of China, guided by remarkable foresight and an inextinguishable passion. Throughout his tenures, he ardently sought to elevate San Marino’s profile on the global stage, promoting its unique heritage not merely as a diminutive microstate, but as an energetic, articulate, and constructive contributor to international dialogue, mutual understanding, and collaborative progress.

Pioneering San Marino-China Relations: A Bond of Enduring Friendship and Mutual Respect

Among Gianfranco Terenzi’s most significant and widely celebrated legacies is the profound, resilient, and genuinely special relationship he meticulously conceived and patiently cultivated between the Republic of San Marino and the People’s Republic of China. His inaugural official visit to China as Captain Regent in 1988 stands as a landmark event, a courageous and insightful diplomatic overture that laid the enduring foundation for decades of fruitful, multifaceted exchange. During this pivotal sojourn, he engaged in a historic meeting with then-Chinese President Li Xiannian. President Li’s words to the Sammarinese delegation were of particular import, resonating with a timeless wisdom: “We do not distinguish between large and small countries, we do not distinguish between large and small economic development, but we evaluate all countries in the same way, at the same level. Each country, independently of its geographical extension, must be considered on the same plane of equality.” This powerful articulation of sovereign equality deeply impressed Terenzi, powerfully reinforcing his conviction and ardently fueling his determination to strengthen and expand the nascent ties with the Chinese people.

This groundbreaking visit expeditiously paved the way for the establishment of the San Marino-China Friendship Association on October 7, 1988, with Gianfranco Terenzi rightly assuming its inaugural Presidency. Under his dynamic and far-sighted leadership, the Association blossomed into a vibrant and effective conduit for a plethora of cultural and economic initiatives. These included the fostering of symbolic town-twinning programs, such as the cherished link with the “City of Children – Huangshan,” the meticulous organization of impactful cultural events, and the facilitation of insightful youth exchanges, like the memorable Summer Camp program for Shanghai students hosted in San Marino. A crowning achievement of this sustained collaboration was the establishment of the Confucius Institute at the University of San Marino in 2015, with Terenzi once again taking the helm as its first President, further underscoring his personal commitment. The Institute’s mission, ambitiously conceived, extended far beyond mere language tuition, actively promoting a more profound and nuanced understanding of China’s rich millennial culture and its sophisticated Traditional Chinese Medicine. Further tangible testament to this extraordinary bond is the Museum of Art and Culture of Serravalle in San Marino. This institution serves as a welcoming venue for encounters with Chinese friends and proudly houses historical gifts, including a vehicle once utilized by Mao Zedong, each artifact silently narrating the story of numerous reciprocal delegations. Crucially, in 2003, leveraging the platform of the Association, Terenzi extended a prescient invitation to San Marino to a delegation led by Xi Jinping, who at that time was the influential Party President of Zhejiang Province. This gesture laid early, personal, and invaluable groundwork for future high-level collaborations with China’s future paramount leader. Such tireless, visionary efforts definitively cemented his esteemed reputation as the “Vecchio Amico della Cina” and as an authentic “Costruttore di Ponti” (Bridge Builder), a man who saw connections where others saw only distance.

WUSME: A Global Voice and Staunch Advocate for Small and Medium Enterprises

Propelled by an unwavering, almost missionary belief in the transformative and often underestimated power of SMEs, Gianfranco Terenzi stood as the visionary founder and subsequently served with characteristic energy as the first President of the World Union of Small and Medium Enterprises (WUSME). This pioneering international organization, strategically and symbolically established within the sovereign territory of the Republic of San Marino, rapidly garnered significant international recognition and esteem, including from the United Nations, and has since meticulously cultivated an extensive network of dedicated representatives spanning the globe. Terenzi envisioned WUSME not merely as an association, but as a dynamic, proactive global platform, expressly designed to empower smaller businesses—the engines of local economies—to connect across borders, to collaboratively share innovation, and to compete effectively and confidently on the increasingly complex international stage. This guiding philosophy strongly and consistently embodied the resilient, adaptive, quality-focused, and globally-minded spirit often intrinsically associated with the “Made in Italy” brand of entrepreneurship – a testament to achieving global reach through excellence, regardless of initial scale. WUSME continues its vital mission as a staunch advocate for policies that foster SME growth, nurture innovation, and promote sustainable development across a diverse tapestry of economic and cultural landscapes, a commitment demonstrably reaffirmed in its recent 2024 General Meeting, which fittingly paid homage to his foundational vision and enduring contributions.

The Legacy Endures: A New Generation Embodies a Continued Mission

Gianfranco Terenzi’s passing elicited genuine mourning across the globe, from heads of state to ordinary citizens, a poignant testament to the remarkable breadth and depth of his impact; yet, his extraordinary legacy is not confined to memory—it is a living current, actively and passionately carried forward. His daughter, Barbara Terenzi, now capably carries this significant heritage with both dedication and astute skill as the current President of WUSME. In assuming this crucial international leadership role, she ensures that her father’s far-sighted vision and the organization’s vital, ongoing work in supporting, connecting, and championing SMEs worldwide continues with renewed vigor, adapting astutely to the evolving challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.

It is a profound mission, centered on fostering international cooperation and catalysing economic empowerment, that resonates deeply with contemporary needs. It is also one I am personally and profoundly honoured to contribute to in my capacity as WUSME Ambassador in the Principality of Monaco, ever inspired by luminaries like Gianfranco Terenzi who so masterfully paved the way for such constructive cross-border dialogue and collaborative enterprise. His compelling vision for a connected, mutually supportive, and ethically grounded global business community remains, in these complex times, more relevant and urgent than ever.

An Indelible Mark upon International Relations and Enterprise

Gianfranco Terenzi was demonstrably far more than a seasoned politician or a notably successful entrepreneur; he was, in essence, a statesman of truly grand, actionable vision and profound, empathetic humanity. He possessed an almost intuitive, deeply ingrained understanding of the critical, indispensable importance of sustained, respectful dialogue, of enriching cultural exchange, and of equitable economic collaboration in the collective pursuit of international peace and widely shared prosperity. His manifold, impactful contributions have etched an indelible mark not only upon the exemplary fabric of San Marino-China relations but also, more broadly, upon the global framework for supporting and championing the small and medium-sized enterprises that are, without dispute, the vibrant lifeblood of economies across the world. He remains, and will continue to be, an enduring symbol of unwavering dedication, astute strategic foresight, and the lasting, transformative power inherent in the noble act of building bridges – bridges of understanding, cooperation, and shared human progress – across all perceived, and often illusory, divides.