CIIE insights: China-France diplomacy and industrial evolution

Editor's note: Mu Yangzi is an associate research fellow and director at the French Studies Division, Institute of European Studies of China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN. It has been translated from Chinese and edited for brevity and clarity.

This year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France. 

For the past six decades, China-France relations have consistently remained at the forefront of China's relations with Western countries. 

In the economic and trade sectors, the two nations have steadily strengthened their cooperation in traditional areas like aerospace and civil nuclear energy while further exploring new fields such as agriculture, green growth, technological innovation and the digital economy.

The efforts have yielded substantial results. 

In 2023, amid increased global economic uncertainties and intensifying geopolitical conflicts, China-France trade reached $78.9 billion, further cementing China's position as France's top trading partner outside the the European Union.

Since its inception in 2018, the China International Import Expo (CIIE) has become a "window" to showcase China's vast market opportunities, its economic transformation and upgrading, and new trends in consumption development. 

In previous CIIEs, France has consistently been among the top participants in terms of the number of participating companies, exhibition space and intended transaction values. 

This year, France returned as a guest country of honor at the 7 CIIE, with a pavilion covering nearly 20,000 square meters and hosting 130 companies. 

The pavilion features both established brands familiar to Chinese consumers and a number of new entrants. 

There is also a special showcase called "From French Farms to Chinese Tables" at the venue. 

Alongside popular French brands, the French pavilion also highlights the vibrancy of China-France commercial exchanges as well as French companies' commitment to a long-term presence in the Chinese market.

Currently, China is working faster to develop new quality productive forces to drive high-quality growth, while France is also advancing its re-industrialization with a focus on green and digital transformation. 

The CIIE serves as a "window" of major-country diplomacy and cooperation in industrial upgrading between China and France. 

Looking ahead, both countries are expected to discuss economic and trade collaboration and strategic alignment with a more open attitude, thus facilitating cultural exchanges and dialogues in technological innovation, jointly contributing to global economic prosperity and writing a new chapter in major-country diplomacy for the new era.

(Cover via CFP)