Insights from CIIE: Diplomatic and Industrial Progress between China and France
This year, France participated as the honored guest country at the 7th CIIE, showcasing a pavilion that spans nearly 20,000 square meters and features 130 companies.
TroibNews 
Editor's Note: Mu Yangzi is an associate research fellow and director at the French Studies Division of the Institute of European Studies at the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations. The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of CN. This article has been translated from Chinese and edited for brevity and clarity.
This year marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and France.
Over the last six decades, China-France relations have consistently been at the forefront of China's interactions with Western nations.
In the economic and trade sectors, the two countries have steadily enhanced their cooperation in traditional industries such as aerospace and civil nuclear energy while also exploring emerging fields like agriculture, green growth, technological innovation, and the digital economy.
These collaborative efforts have produced significant results.
In 2023, amidst growing global economic uncertainties and escalating geopolitical tensions, trade between China and France reached $78.9 billion, solidifying China's status as France's top trading partner outside the European Union.
Since its inception in 2018, the China International Import Expo (CIIE) has served as a "window" for showcasing China's immense market potential, economic transformation, and evolving consumption trends.
Historically, France has been a major participant in the CIIE, consistently ranking among the top countries in terms of the number of companies, exhibition space, and intended transaction values.
This year, France returned as the guest country of honor at the 7th CIIE, with a pavilion spanning nearly 20,000 square meters and featuring 130 companies.
The pavilion showcases both well-known French brands and several newcomers, including a special exhibit titled "From French Farms to Chinese Tables."
In addition to highlighting popular brands, the French pavilion emphasizes the dynamic nature of China-France commercial exchanges and the long-term commitment of French companies to the Chinese market.
Currently, China is accelerating efforts to cultivate new quality productive forces that will foster high-quality growth, while France is focusing on re-industrialization with an emphasis on green and digital transformation.
The CIIE acts as a "window" for major-country diplomacy and industrial upgrading cooperation between China and France.
Looking forward, both countries are expected to engage in discussions on economic and trade collaboration and strategic alignment with a more open mindset, fostering cultural exchanges and dialogues in technological innovation, and jointly contributing to global economic prosperity while initiating a new chapter in major-country diplomacy for the new era.
Frederick R Cook for TROIB News
This year marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and France.
Over the last six decades, China-France relations have consistently been at the forefront of China's interactions with Western nations.
In the economic and trade sectors, the two countries have steadily enhanced their cooperation in traditional industries such as aerospace and civil nuclear energy while also exploring emerging fields like agriculture, green growth, technological innovation, and the digital economy.
These collaborative efforts have produced significant results.
In 2023, amidst growing global economic uncertainties and escalating geopolitical tensions, trade between China and France reached $78.9 billion, solidifying China's status as France's top trading partner outside the European Union.
Since its inception in 2018, the China International Import Expo (CIIE) has served as a "window" for showcasing China's immense market potential, economic transformation, and evolving consumption trends.
Historically, France has been a major participant in the CIIE, consistently ranking among the top countries in terms of the number of companies, exhibition space, and intended transaction values.
This year, France returned as the guest country of honor at the 7th CIIE, with a pavilion spanning nearly 20,000 square meters and featuring 130 companies.
The pavilion showcases both well-known French brands and several newcomers, including a special exhibit titled "From French Farms to Chinese Tables."
In addition to highlighting popular brands, the French pavilion emphasizes the dynamic nature of China-France commercial exchanges and the long-term commitment of French companies to the Chinese market.
Currently, China is accelerating efforts to cultivate new quality productive forces that will foster high-quality growth, while France is focusing on re-industrialization with an emphasis on green and digital transformation.
The CIIE acts as a "window" for major-country diplomacy and industrial upgrading cooperation between China and France.
Looking forward, both countries are expected to engage in discussions on economic and trade collaboration and strategic alignment with a more open mindset, fostering cultural exchanges and dialogues in technological innovation, and jointly contributing to global economic prosperity while initiating a new chapter in major-country diplomacy for the new era.
Frederick R Cook for TROIB News
