Chongqing, a bustling metropolis in southwest China has taken on a new look through various urban renewal measures taken in recent years.
Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday inspected Minzhu Village, an old residential community where renovation began in early 2022, during his three-day visit to Chongqing which ended on Wednesday.
A renovation project was launched in the community at the beginning of 2022, which has been included in national pilot programs. It includes gated residential compounds and commercial areas, and it also offers opportunities for people to start businesses. The village attracts 20,000 visits on an average day.
The president talked to the excited locals during his tour of the community.
"He smiled and asked me if I was having a meal at this canteen. I said yes, we can eat meat, vegetables, and fresh fruits here, and it only costs me 15 yuan. He asked if the price was good for us, and we all said yes. He then said it was good to hear that," said Minzhu Village resident Chen Dairong.
"General Secretary Xi asked us why we came to the canteen to have meals. We told him that's because we are working nearby. Minzhu Village is a great community, we come here to have meals, go shopping, or relax with friends two or three times every week," said Xu Huating, another Minzhu resident.
In April 2023, the first phase of the project was completed, involving nearly 1,000 households residing in over 50 buildings. It had seen the removal of illegal structures, the refurbishment of residential buildings, and the relocation of utility lines underground. Streets were lined with new benches, pathways were improved, and green spaces proliferated.
Xi said people's livelihoods are a top priority in the path of Chinese modernization.
China has enhanced urban renewal efforts to make cities more livable, resilient and smart. It plans to renovate 50,000 old residential communities and develop accessible, senior-friendly amenities this year.
Urban renewal measures breathe new life into Chongqing
A growing number of French companies consider China an important part for their growth, as highlighted by their increased investment in the Chinese market over the years, said Gary Rosen, CEO of AccorHotels Greater China, during an interview on Monday.
Covering massive business operations in the Greater China region for a French multinational company, Rosen has witnessed the close cooperation between China and France in the tourism and hospitality sector. French companies are increasing their direct foreign investment in China, as cooperation between the two countries have brought unexpected benefits, said Rosen during a program aired on China Global Television Network (CGTN).
"I think the starting point really is -- you see how the two countries work together and they really make an effort to work together, and that comes alive in the business community. Whether you look at different sectors, the growth for both companies, and especially that foreign direct investment into China, you wouldn't have that if you didn't have such strong ties over the last 60 years. And certainly, those are going to continue moving forward. And this trust that has been built between a French company and multiple Chinese companies to make a much wider proposition and growing the hospitality sector in China, that couldn't be done if you didn't have great relations and diplomatic relations, and the recognition by the two countries and the governments of two countries. Many French companies [are] recognizing that China is an important part of their growth around the world. But recognition-the role the Chinese guest and consumer plays as we were talking earlier. The future is a bright one, the strength of the relationship only makes it that much brighter. And I think we've entered a recognition that when you look at these two countries together, you have a 'one plus one equals 10' outcome," he said.
Rosen highlighted the robust growth of AccorHotels in the Greater China region, adding that it is a testament of how the Chinese market has enormous opportunities in store. "There's volume growth and then there's growth where you have to learn and be able to also nurture your own brand's growth. And that's particularly why in this area we focus, particularly when you think about premium and luxury, we have that growth and there's never been for us so much growth and opportunity. We are having records breaking years. In 2022 we had a record-breaking year in terms of new-signings, signings of new hotels. 2023 broke 2022 record. We have signed close to 150 new hotels in 2023 that will open over the course in the next few years. That's significant growth that has put us at the front in terms of global hospitality for players here in China," he said.
As this year serves a year of culture and tourism between the two countries, Rosen expressed confidence in boosting culture and tourism exchanges between the two sides.
With beautiful landmarks, shopping, special food, and with the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympic Games, the CEO believes that France will see more and more Chinese tourists in the near future. He also expressed confidence in Chinese tourism market, which has been on a positive trajectory overall.
"[I'm] very comfortable to say that China is still seen to be by 2035, to be the largest global tourism market in the world. If you look at what the McKinsey's, what the 'big five' [consultancies] are talking about. They're all still in that position and that's a great place to be," he said.
Chinese market plays pivotal role in spurring growth of French companies: business executive
