China-France forum paves way for upcoming supply chain expo

By Mohammad Arif ULLAH in Paris For China Daily | chinadaily.com.cn | Updated: 2024-06-24 04:40

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China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Chairman Ren Hongbin gives an opening speech at the China-France Economic and Trade Cooperation Forum and the Promotion Conference of the 2nd Edition of the China International Supply Chain Expo in Paris on June 21. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The China-France Economic and Trade Cooperation Forum and the Promotion Conference of the 2nd Edition of the China International Supply Chain Expo, or CISCE, convened at the Maison de la Mutualite in Paris on June 21.

The forum served as a precursor to the upcoming CISCE in Beijing, and French companies are welcomed to take part in that gathering.

The event was attended by 100 representatives from French institutions and companies, a 70-member delegation from the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, or CCPIT, and 30 representatives from Chinese firms across France and Europe.

CCPIT Chairman Ren Hongbin (center) attends the forum in Paris on June 21. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

In his opening speech, CCPIT Chairman Ren Hongbin emphasized: "This event enriches bilateral cooperation between our nations. On behalf of CCPIT, I stress that China and France are genuine friends and mutually beneficial partners."

He went on to propose three key areas to enhance Sino-French relations.

"We should expand trade cooperation, increase investment collaboration, and advance cooperation in supply chains, fostering mutual benefits," he said.

"China contributes 30 percent to global economic growth, " he continued.

"We are committed to providing more opportunities for international businesses, including those from France."

CISCE President Lin Shunjie highlighted the significance of the upcoming second edition of the expo, stating, "We are currently experiencing a period of global advancements in new technologies. The participation of Tesla CEO Elon Musk at the next edition further underscores its importance."

He also noted : "Last year, 515 companies attended the first CISCE expo. For the second edition, we have already confirmed the participation of over 400 companies."

Former prime minister of France and president of the Prospective Innovation Foundation Jean Pierre Raffarin gives a speech at the forum in Paris on June 21. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Former prime minister of France and president of the Prospective Innovation Foundation Jean Pierre Raffarin remarked : "We are delighted to have you here in France, bringing extensive expertise on various issues. In today's increasingly perilous world, tensions are evident. Despite this, France and China are advocating for peace, bolstered by strong economic, social and cultural ties that promote cooperation and future prospects."

"Our strategy prioritises peace. While agreements and competition are natural, our focus remains on cooperation rather than rivalry," he said.

Representatives from China and France make speeches at the forum in Paris on June 21. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

At the forum, representatives from companies, including Andreas Wlasak from Forvia Design Group, Frederic Lajoux from electricity utility Enedis Group, and Norbert Ducrot, founder and president of Middl.AI, shared their insights.

Caroline Penard, director of the France-China International Chamber of Commerce, noted : "We mark the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and France. The CISCE forum serves as a crucial opportunity to uphold global supply chains."

She added : "The international exhibition in Beijing is essential for shaping our future, focusing on cooperation and innovation."

Xiao Liang, head of the Bank of China Paris branch and chairman of the China Chamber of International Commerce in France gives a speech at the forum in Paris on June 21. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Xiao Liang, head of the Bank of China Paris branch and chairman of the China Chamber of International Commerce in France, or CCICF, highlighted the milestone in Sino-French relations, noting France's position as China's third-largest trading partner within the European Union, and China is France’s leading partner in Asia.

She emphasised their successful collaboration, which has bolstered trust and fostered growth in Sino-French trade.

Yan Yun, director-general of the CCPIT Trade Promotion and Exchange Center, highlighted the ongoing expansion and strengthening of cooperation between China and France. In this new context, there is a clear emphasis on industrial investment as a global priority, with the CCPIT playing a crucial role in advancing global economic governance, Yan said.

During the forum, a signing ceremony took place where the International Chamber of Commerce for the Silk Road, or ICCS, and the French-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, or CCIFC, signed a letter of intent to participate in the second edition of CISCE.

Additionally, the China International Exhibition Center Group Corporation and French company Cenponts also signed a letter of intent to participate, and CCPIT entered into a cooperation agreement with the CMS law firm.