CIIE a platform to enhance Sino-French trade relations

Two seminars aiming to help French enterprises better understand the upcoming 9th edition of the China International Import Expo, or CIIE, and share opportunities presented by China's deepening opening-up, were held last week in the French cities of Paris and Lyon.

According to Hua Wei, president of the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), which is the host venue of CIIE, the previous expo saw participation from 114 French companies, harvesting good sales in areas such as agricultural and food products, consumer goods, and service trade.

"The CIIE has become an important bridge connecting enterprises from both countries and promoting practical cooperation," said Hua.

Dai Junpeng, counselor of the economic and commercial office of the Chinese embassy in France, pointed out that the continuous upgrade of consumption patterns of China's 1.4 billion people has led to a strong demand for high-quality imported goods. Additionally, China's manufacturing sector's transition towards high-end, intelligent, and green production has also created a need for new technological equipment.

Taking French linen as an example, Dai said with the rising demand for natural and environmentally-friendly fabrics among Chinese consumers, in the first five months of 2026 French linen exports to China grew by 47.3 percent year-on-year.

"Supported by various policy measures as well as the vast market, China will continue to provide ample opportunities for French and European companies," said Dai.

Yu Jiang, the Chinese Consul General in Lyon, said that the Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes region, in the southeast of France, is known for its high level of industrialization, high education standards, and balanced development.

He hopes the region's high-quality products and services in agriculture, tourism, and biopharmaceuticals can leverage the CIIE as a channel to "board the train of opportunities presented by China's development".

At the promotional event in Paris on Wednesday, the Association des Artistes Europeens signed a memorandum of understanding with CIIE stakeholders to use the expo as a vital link to further achievements in Sino-French economic and trade cooperation and cultural exchange.

Jason Arthaud, the association's executive chairman, said the CIIE is not just about traditional bulk trade; it also offers an extremely broad platform for cultural and artistic institutions, innovative public welfare projects, and corporate social responsibility practices.

"It not only focuses on what the world is buying and selling but also on what humanity cares about," he added.

At the promotional event in Lyon on Friday, local entrepreneurs shared their stories of traveling to China and establishing strong partnerships with Chinese companies.

Entrepreneur Matthieu Lecuyer fell in love with Chinese baijiu and learned the distillation and brewing techniques. This year, he plans to bring "French-made baijiu, tailored for Chinese customers", to the CIIE.

Jean-Luc Logel, president of a quality inspection equipment company, has participated in the CIIE multiple times, providing quality inspection services for bottles of Tsingtao beer and wines of the Great Wall brand. The company is currently working with partners to apply Chinese artificial intelligence technology to assist in glass quality inspection.

"With the help of AI, we can spot substandard glass bottle products more accurately, reducing waste and loss," he explained.