France - May 6, 2024

Storyline:
Chinese President Xi calls for closer business ties at 6th China-France Business Council

[Voice_over]

2024 marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Beijing and Paris.

Addressing the China-France Business Council, President Xi reviewed the two countries' long-standing friendship.

He said after six decades of growing ties, the two countries have remained win-win partners and their economies have become closely intertwined and highly symbiotic.

Xi Jinping said China will expand its economic engagements with France.

China views France as a priority and trustworthy partner in cooperation.

And he pledged that China will import more cheese, ham, wine and other quality agricultural products from France.

He announced that China will extend visa exemption entry for citizens from 12 countries including France on short-term visits to China until the end of 2025, a step aiming to boost people-to-people exchanges.

As China's relations with France affect its relations with Europe as a whole, President Xi expressed hope that the two countries could jointly deepen mutually beneficial cooperation between China and Europe.

He highlighted the importance of China-Europe relations to world peace, stability, and prosperity.

And he called for the two sides to enhance political mutual trust and oppose attempts to turn business relations into political, ideological or security issues.

The two sides should instead work with each other on trade, technology and industrial and supply chains.

The Chinese President also vowed to further open up the service sector including telecommunications and medical services, and open its market wider to create more opportunities for companies from France, Europe and beyond.

Xi Jinping also called for the two countries to jointly tackle global challenges.

He said both China and France are permanent members of the UN Security Council and they should enhance stability in China-France relations to address uncertainties of the world.

This would include coordination in the U.N. and more leadership and support for global governance.

He said the two sides should work to promote comprehensive reform of the World Trade Organization, keep the global economy open, and promote a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization.

He also called for the two sides to step up efforts to address climate change.

Xi Jinping said China is upgrading traditional industries, fostering emerging industries, laying the groundwork for future industries, and moving faster to promote new quality productive forces.

He said this means more opportunities for companies around the world including those from France.

He also gave his best wishes to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and China-France cooperation in a new era.

[Restrictions : No access Chinese mainland]