Chinese and French companies can together build a "great future" and achieve a "win-win situation" through long-term partnerships and mutually beneficial cooperation, according to an executive from the Thales Group, a French multinational electronics firm.
Jean-Marc Reynaud, CEO of Thales' China and Mongolia division, was speaking in an interview with the China Global Television Network (CGTN) in Beijing on Friday as French President Emmanuel Macron wrapped up a three-day state visit to China which has seen the two countries pledge deeper cooperation across various fields.
As a global leader in technology for the defense and security, aeronautics and space, and cybersecurity industries, Thales first introduced its aerospace business to China in 1964 and has been recognized as a trusted partner of long-term cooperation with the Chinese aviation industry.
Reynaud attributed Thales' development achievements and the close partnerships it has fostered in China to the country's rapidly growing aerospace sector in the past few decades.
"We have started our present [business] scenarios in aerospace in China 60 years ago and today we have developed the busiest air traffic management centers such as Beijing, Shanghai, Wuhan, Guangzhou, and Hong Kong. Today more than 4,500 airplanes are equipped with Thales avionic solutions, and close to half of the wide-body airplanes are equipped with [Thales'] in-flight entertainment systems," he said.
Reynaud said President Macron's just-concluded state visit has sent out encouraging signs to the French industrial community, with many firms now looking for ways to grow their business ties with China, especially those in the aviation sector.
"The state visit is a perfect platform for those discussions, and I believe there is a place for a win-win situation for Chinese and French companies. We can see some real prospects in the aviation industry with strong demand and great ambitions for 2050 in China. And we can see, as well, a demand for secure solutions so for our cyber and digital identity business lines. There's definitely place for discussion," he said.
Thales has been applying its advanced technology in the fast-evolving cyber and digital spheres, covering mobile communication, fintech, automobile connectivity and software monetization, among other developing fields.
With the firm now having branch offices in seven cities across China, Reynaud noted how the country has become more open and its business environment has continued to improve over the years, which is further evidenced by how Thales has successfully established key new research facilities in China.
"China is working continuously to make the environment evolve and to be more open to foreign investments. I will make two very concrete examples. We have two R and D centers, which are certified as foreign-funded R and D centers by the Beijing authorities, and our factory in Shanghai for smart cards is labeled as a green factory by Shanghai authorities," he said.
France is the world's second largest exporter in the aeronautical field, after the United States and Germany, while China has achieved significant milestones in developing its own aviation industry, propelled by growing investment and innovation. Reynaud said Thales, as a major player in avionics, aircraft cabin systems, air traffic management and digital identity, views the China market positively, although the global economy faces increasing headwinds.
"Today China is the largest trade partner of France outside the European Union. When you see the prospect, typically in the aviation industry or in the cyber and digital identity [sector], we think there is a great future to be built together," he said.
French avionics conglomerate sees 'great future' ahead in China partnerships
