French dignitary hails China's indispensable role in driving global growth

It's impossible to realize peace and global economic growth in this world without China, said former French Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin, stressing that France must cooperate with China to look for positive elements in the bilateral ties.

The former prime minister, who now serves as the Chairman of the Foundation Prospective and Innovation, made the remarks while speaking in an interview to China Global Television Network (CGTN).

The year of 2024 marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France, and is also the China-France Year of Culture and Tourism, an important year for cultural exchanges between the two countries.

Raffarin noted that the brilliant civilizations of China and France deserve respect.

"I believe that the civilizations of China and France have both made a profound impact on world civilization history. Both countries have long histories and rich cultural traditions, yet our cultures are so different. People sometimes refrain from further understanding each other due to cultural differences, but the brilliant cultures of both nations deserve respect," he said.

Raffarin also stressed that world peace and economic growth can not be realized without China.

"I have witnessed with my own eyes China's development over the past 50 years. There have been tremendous changes taken place in China over the past five decades. And what is most important right now is that there will not be peace without China in this world, there will not be world economic development without China, and this world would not be as vibrant without China's cultural creativity. Therefore, France must cooperate with China and draw closer to China, finding positive elements in the relations between our two countries," said the former prime minister.

French dignitary hails China's indispensable role in driving global growth

East China's Hangzhou city has rolled out a series of improved payment services aiming to make it easier for foreign tourists to travel in the city.

With the services, International tourists can pay with their overseas bank cards via phone apps or use their familiar home e-wallets by scanning QR codes in Hanghzou.

Many store owners at famous tourist attractions have upgraded their payment systems to facilitate foreigners to make mobile payments.

"We have many foreign tourists here, accounting for about 40 percent. With diversified payment patterns, foreigners are more willing to tour around here and go shopping," said Qi Yue, a local store owner.

Apart from cashless payments, local banks also provide different cash bags, a quick currency exchange service which gives foreign tourists a bag containing currencies of different denominations. Tourists can choose which denominations they prefer in their bags. This service also greatly benefits local senior residents, who are not used to cashless payments.

"Currently, all the outlets of Agricultural Bank of China in Hangzhou have set up dedicated green channels for elderly-friendly service areas and personalized cash exchange services. We aim to provide better and more efficient and convenient payment services," said Ni Keqi, general manager of personal finance department, Hangzhou Branch of Agricultural Bank of China.

Hangzhou improves mobile payment for foreigners, elderly