Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for a new era of cooperation between China and France, emphasizing deeper economic ties and joint efforts to tackle global challenges. Speaking at the closing ceremony of the sixth meeting of the China-France Business Council in Paris on May 6, 2024, President Xi highlighted the significance of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations.
“Over the past 60 years, China and France have remained devoted friends and win-win partners,” President Xi remarked. He underscored the growth in bilateral trade, which has expanded nearly 800 times since diplomatic relations were established, reaching $78.9 billion. “Our economies are now closely intertwined and highly symbiotic,” he added.
President Xi outlined three key areas for future collaboration:
- Enhancing Economic and Trade Partnership: He called for enriching the economic dimensions of the comprehensive strategic partnership, inviting French businesses to participate actively in China’s modernization process. China plans to open up its market further, especially in the service sector, and facilitate imports of quality French agricultural products.
- Deepening China-Europe Cooperation: Emphasizing the importance of China-Europe relations, President Xi expressed readiness to work with France to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, uphold multilateralism, and oppose the politicization of business relations.
- Jointly Tackling Global Challenges: President Xi highlighted the shared responsibility of China and France as major countries and permanent members of the UN Security Council to address global issues such as climate change and promote a multipolar world.
He reaffirmed China’s commitment to high-standard opening-up and reform, aiming to create more opportunities for French and other foreign businesses. “We welcome French entrepreneurs to play an active part in the Chinese modernization process and benefit from China’s development opportunities,” President Xi said.
Looking ahead to the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic Games, President Xi expressed hope for strengthened solidarity and friendship between the two nations. “Let us join hands to open up a new era of China-France cooperation and write a new chapter in building a community with a shared future for mankind,” he concluded.
The meeting, also attended by French President Emmanuel Macron and representatives from both countries’ business communities, marked a significant step in reaffirming the longstanding partnership between China and France.
Reference(s):
Full text of Xi Jinping's remarks at the China-France Business Council
cgtn.com
