The 7e edition of the China International Import Expo (CIIE), the first national-level exhibition dedicated to imports in the world, is held from November 5 to 10 in Shanghai. Jean-Pierre Raffarin, former French Prime Minister, is present at the 7e CIIE. On November 5 in the morning, he granted an exclusive interview to China today. He shared his impressions of the CIIE, talked about the role of the CIIE in cooperation between Chinese and foreign enterprises, and spoke on Sino-French relations. Here are excerpts from the interview.
China today : It’s number 5e Once you participate in the CIIE, what are your impressions about this event?
Jean-Pierre Raffarin: It is a major international trade event. Many players are present, including not only large Chinese companies that import, but also many international players, making this event a true forum for international trade. It is probably the largest forum for international trade today, which explains the strong presence of French companies. There are more than 130 registered and several events are organized in parallel, including a major exhibition organized by the Comité Colbert in Shanghai and which brings together major French luxury companies. There is also a private equity fair in Wuxi (Jiangsu), bringing together many French companies and investment funds. Around this exhibition, there are many events and the French presence is very strong today.
China today : France is the guest country of honor for this edition, what are France’s strong points this year?
Jean-Pierre Raffarin: First, it is a sign of friendship with China to try to ensure that cooperation can prevail over tensions. Today, there are many tensions, our world is very dangerous. We are looking for goodwill to develop cooperation rather than stoking tensions. Although we are currently experiencing some difficulties with China, we want to take a long-term view. It is in this spirit that the French Minister of Foreign Trade, Mrs. Sophie Primas, came to discuss various issues, in particular with the Chinese Minister of Commerce, Wang Wentao. Our desire for reciprocal dialogue is essential to resolve current conflicts, which are entirely soluble with this strategic partnership vision which has already driven the Sino-French relationship for 60 years.
China today : What role has CIIE played in cooperation between Chinese and foreign enterprises?
Jean-Pierre Raffarin: Cooperation is very important and the CIIE is becoming a major global event. I think it will be a cooperation platform where many contracts are signed and very concrete initiatives see the light of day. It is a concrete policy: there are some speeches, but what is most important are the purchase orders. There are many tangible aspects in this meeting, which is why I believe it is a meeting for the future. The French minister, who represents the French government, is very attached to the promotion of this event, considering it as an unmissable event for international trade.
China today : Every year, many French companies participate in the CIIE, and France is the most represented among all European countries present at the CIIE. What do you expect from economic and commercial exchanges between China and France?
Jean-Pierre Raffarin: I think that France has a unique relationship with China among European countries. It is undoubtedly the country with the most strategic relationship. I therefore hope that reinforced cooperation will gradually be established between France and China in a reciprocal manner, so that each benefits from it. To achieve this mutual satisfaction, it is essential to initiate negotiations, conclude contracts and maintain an ongoing dialogue.
China today : This year marks the 60e anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France. In your opinion, what are the characteristics of relations between the two countries?
Jean-Pierre Raffarin: Relations between China and France are strategic relations. We have chosen a multilateral vision of the world, which requires discussing the evolution of the multilateral system, since the 1945 system is no longer adapted to the current situation. We have strategic thoughts to share. Naturally, this perspective includes discussions on the relationship between Europe and Asia, because these two continents must work even more jointly in a win-win relationship that must be developed.
