French Safran sees China as key strategic market: official

Paris-headquartered Safran, the world's leading aero engine and aviation equipment manufacturer, has consistently viewed China as one of its strategic markets within its global operations, said Rémi Paul, CEO and country general delegate of Safran China, in Beijing on Monday.

Safran was one of the first French companies to enter China after formal diplomatic relations were established in the 1960s. The company has been involved in various Chinese aircraft, helicopter and engine projects.

Over 70 percent of narrow-body commercial airplanes operating in China are powered by the CFM-56 and LEAP engines made by CFM International, which is a 50/50 joint company between Safran Aircraft Engines and General Electric. CFM International also provides the LEAP-1C engines and nacelles for China's C919 jetliner.

In an exclusive interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN), Paul reaffirmed the French company's commitment to the Chinese aviation market.

"Being one of the first French companies to enter the Chinese market, after the establishment of French-Chinese diplomatic relations in 1964, Safran has long considered China as one of its key strategic markets. Safran has enhanced its footprint in China, covering supply chain, manufacturing, MRO which stands for maintenance, repair and overhaul, and service network to better support our Chinese customers. Deeply rooted in China, Safran has strong confidence in the Chinese aviation market," said Paul.

French Safran sees China as key strategic market: official

The Central Asia Park was opened on Sunday in the northwestern Chinese city of Xi'an one year after the first China-Central Asia Summit, to showcase the strengthening of regional cooperation.

The park is located near the Xi'an International Exhibition Center, one of the venues for the 2023 China-Central Asia Summit. Sculptures of horses and camel caravans decorate the approximately 53-hectare park, symbolizing the prosperous exchanges over centuries and the beautiful vision of joint development between China and Central Asian countries.

The building at the main entrance of the park is called "Silk Road Meeting Room" and displays gifts from Central Asian countries, including traditional costumes from Kazakhstan and sculptures of "bow shooting" from Kyrgyzstan.

Visitors can buy specialties including snacks and honey from Central Asian countries in the park's shop.

Xi'an is a historical city founded about 3,100 years ago. Formerly known as Chang'an, it is the starting point of the ancient Silk Road, which saw flourishing interactions between China and Central Asia.

The China-Central Asia Summit, held in the city in May 2023, was the first summit held offline by the leaders of the six countries since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the five Central Asian states 31 years ago.

Central Asia Park opens in northwest China, highlighting regional cooperation