As the year marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and France, it becomes evident that the partnership has flourished remarkably since its inceptionOver six decades, the two nations have resonated with each other's independent and autonomous spirits, attracted by each other's vibrant cultures, and engaged in pragmatic cooperation that spans a vast array of interestsThis rich tapestry of interactions has transformed the economic and trade relations between China and France into an expansive and multi-dimensional strategic partnership that is continuously evolving to meet the needs of this new era.

China and France’s collaboration encompasses vital areas such as energy, cutting-edge technology, and even the everyday lives of people through consumer productsFrance stands as China's third-largest trade partner within the European Union and the third-largest source of actual investment

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Conversely, China has become France's largest partner in Asia and ranks as the seventh largest globallySurprisingly, in 2023, the bilateral trade amount soared to $78.9 billion—an astonishing increase of nearly 800 times compared to the period when diplomatic ties were first establishedThis growth is underpinned by cumulative investments surpassing $26 billion, with over 2,100 French enterprises operating in China, employing more than 300,000 peopleFrench companies such as Airbus, EDF, Danone, Pernod Ricard, and Sanofi have benefitted significantly from their collaborative endeavors with their Chinese counterparts, highlighting a successful win-win situation for both parties.

Amid this evolving landscape, the breadth and depth of the economic ties between China and France are set to expand furtherNew areas of collaboration, innovative cooperative models, and emerging growth points are continuously surfacing

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One notable achievement includes the establishment of a full supply chain mechanism intended to facilitate "from French farms to Chinese tables." This initiative hints at a future where French agricultural products will increasingly garnish the dining tables of Chinese householdsMoreover, with an inherent sense of design and fashion, French consumer goods have long been adored in China; thus, they will feature even more in the enriching tapestry of modern Chinese lifeAirbus is also making headlines with plans to initiate operations for its second A320 assembly line in China by the end of 2025, underscoring the critical role of the Chinese supply chain in the global aviation industry.

China's vast market, comprehensive industrial support, rich application scenarios, and strong economies of scale present colossal opportunities for countries, including FranceThe determination of China to promote high-level openness has unveiled new collaborative perspectives for French entrepreneurs, greatly enhancing their confidence in future industrial investments between the nations

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At recent China International Import Expos, France consistently ranked among the top countries in terms of the number of exhibitors, exhibition area, and intended transaction amountsIn 2023, for instance, a notable participation of 140 French exhibitors marked a significant representationAdditionally, France is set to be the guest of honor at the upcoming seventh China International Import Expo, as well as the China International Fair for Trade in Services, indicating an abundance of developmental opportunities in Franco-Chinese cooperation.

In this new era, the relationship between China and France is demonstrating a vigorous and progressive development momentum with an ever-expanding cooperative breadth and depthBoth countries are keen on enhancing collaborations in traditional sectors like aerospace, while also exploring emerging fields such as green energy, intelligent manufacturing, biomedicine, and artificial intelligence

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Recent joint statements have been made regarding crucial global issues such as AI and global governance, biodiversity and oceans, and agricultural exchanges, alongside the signing of nearly 20 bilateral cooperation agreements covering green development, aviation, and food and agriculture.

China and France's collaborative efforts are also instrumental in addressing climate change, evidenced by their contributions to the Paris Agreement and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, playing a pivotal role in advancing the global climate agendaChina has prioritized low-carbon transformation and green development as vital components of its national strategy, with the ecological civilization concept firmly rooted in the public consciousnessThe determination, intensity, and outcomes of China's progress in green low-carbon development have garnered significant global attentionBoth nations act as staunch advocates for advancing green development and have aligned perspectives on the long-term global energy structure

Currently, France's push towards green innovation-centered reindustrialization provides a fertile ground for deepening collaborative efforts with China in green development.

With rapid advancements in the digital economy and artificial intelligence, China boasts substantial data resources and diverse application scenarios, backed by a top-notch digital infrastructure and accelerating innovation capabilities within the digital sectorFrance, on the other hand, aspires to emerge as a leading AI economy in Europe and globallyThis presents an immense collaborative potential and space for both parties moving forward.

In today's context, where the global economy is tightly interwoven and interests deeply intertwined, the stable and deepening relationship between China and France will invigorate the wider China-Europe relationsThis cooperation serves to usher in an era where collaboration prevails over confrontation and where mutual benefit is emphasized over zero-sum mentalities

Committed to genuine multilateralism, both countries endeavor to tackle global challenges like climate change hand-in-hand, enhancing their indispensable constructive roles on the global stage.

China remains resolute in its commitment to advancing high-level openness, propelling profound reforms, and fostering high-quality development while accelerating the growth of new productive capacitiesWith the establishment of comprehensive manufacturing access, China is poised to further liberalize access to vital service sectors like telecommunications and healthcareThe ever-expanding door of openness promises to create abundant opportunities for businesses globally, including those from FranceAs Sino-French economic and trade cooperation ascends to new heights, it is set to deliver greater benefits to the peoples of both nations, injecting stability and positive energy into the global development of the new era.