The 11th China-France Investment Dialogue, one of a series of events commemorating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the European Union (EU), was held in Paris on Monday.
Prominent political figures and representatives from French and Chinese companies discussed economic opportunities and shared challenges in an era of geopolitical uncertainty.
"The reality of a win-win bilateral relationship is our collective duty. It is clear that Europe and China need each other in this dangerous, tense world -- where today, the U.S. president is creating dangerous unpredictability. We need cooperation between Europe and China," said Jean-Pierre Raffarin, former French Prime Minister.
Former French Minister of Foreign Affairs Hubert Vedrine stressed the need for Europe and China to face the realities of the current global context together, and said France had an important role to play because of its long-standing relationship with China.
"How should we manage relations with China, a colossal emerging power? Europeans are divided: some argue for protecting themselves from China, while others advocate full cooperation. There will undoubtedly be tough moments, but this is where the extraordinary, unique long-standing friendship between France and China should play a major role -- bilaterally and even in shaping a wise European compromise," he said.
Former French Minister of Health Olivier Veran said the health sector was an important area of cooperation between China and Europe.
"China has made a striking entry into health innovation, particularly in biotechnology, where it now files more patents and develops more new cancer drugs than Europe -- something unthinkable just a few years ago. This makes China a serious, solid long-term partner in innovation, and AI mechanisms have only strengthened China's position. We must create ways to cooperate, understand each other, and build trust in health innovation between Europeans and Chinese," he said.
Marc-Antoine Jamet, Secretary General of LVMH, highlighted the success of the Louis Vuitton "ship" in Shanghai which opened on June 28.
The "ship", a part of Louis Vuitton's groundbreaking three-story flagship store in downtown Shanghai, blends luxury retail with cultural experiences and dining.
"Shanghai is like New York, Shanghai is like Paris -- a city everyone knows. So, it was fitting for this ship to arrive and anchor at the heart of Shanghai. I have an aerial photo of People's Square, and you can see the ship more clearly than the Shanghai Opera House. It's extraordinary -- from the sky. It's also a way to show our Chinese friends that we trust them, that we're here, that they are loyal and we are loyal. Innovation will come, we truly believe in Chinese consumption, in our Chinese clients, and that everything will continue," he said.
Political luminaries, business reps meet for China-France investment dialogue
Political luminaries, business reps meet for China-France investment dialogue
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
