This year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France. A financial empowerment and industrial cooperation exchange meeting between east China's Wuxi City and Paris was held in Paris on Thursday. The event was a significant step in Wuxi's efforts to expand its openness to the world.

During the meeting, multiple cooperation agreements were signed between China and France. One of the significant outcomes was the establishment of the permanent venue for the International Private Equity Market Forum's China chapter in Wuxi, Jiangsu Province. This cooperation will help position Wuxi as a preferred destination for leading European companies, high-quality projects and premium capital.

These activities and exchanges showcase the capabilities and potential of these Chinese cities, said Gilles-Henry Garault, vice president of the French Chamber of Industry and Commerce. "By highlighting their strengths, these cities strive to secure cooperation opportunities," he added.

Since the beginning of this year, Wuxi has accelerated the development of new quality productive forces, continually expanding its "friend circle" worldwide. Between January and April, Wuxi's total foreign trade import and export value reached 232.81 billion yuan (around $32.75 billion), a year-on-year increase of 8.2 percent, the highest value for the same period in history.

The event was also attended by Zhao Jianjun, mayor of Wuxi, who led a delegation to visit France.

In his speech, Zhao said he looks forward to working together with friends from all sectors in France to seize new opportunities for economic and trade cooperation. 

"We aim to strengthen collaboration in key industries such as automotive, electronics, and new energy, support more small and high-quality French enterprises in expanding into the Chinese market, and continuously expand cooperation in agriculture, food, wine and other areas," he said. 

Zhao also pledged to embark on a new chapter of financial empowerment by maintaining a high-level cycle of technology, industry and finance, promoting quality financial resources to enhance and empower Wuxi's "465" modern industrial cluster, thereby achieving increased industry efficiency, project growth and capital appreciation.