France's modern image on display

France, one of the guest countries of honor at the second China International Import Expo, is projecting an image as open, modern and dynamic.

Business France, a government agency, and the France-China Committee, a platform dedicated to the development of economic relations between the two countries, designed the French national pavilion with the theme of "Choose France."

The pavilion consists of global companies Air Liquide, Airbus, AXA, Danone, Eutelsat, Indigo, Legrand, Limagrain, L'Oréal China, Pernod Ricard, Pierre & Vacances-Center Parcs Group, LVMH group, Saint-Gobain, Sanofi, Societe Generale, Sodexo and Suez, as well as six regional and public bodies.

All have established and promoted long-term partnerships with China, said Christophe Lecourtier, director general of Business France.

France is committed to innovation in China and that can be seen in various areas, such as sustainability, high technology, health, industry, tourism, food, and luxury goods, he said.

The pavilion will host over 50 activities during the expo.

"The CIIE is a wonderful opportunity for us to engage in China to meet lots of people, to learn more, and to build new connections that hopefully will lead to deepening relationships and increase mutual business for ourselves and with our Chinese partners," said Martin Boden, Sodexo's president for China.

Sodexo's exhibits at the expo showcase the quality of life services from France, it said, adding that it "looks forward to in-depth collaborations with all stakeholders in enhancing our commitment in China with confidence."

L’Oréal sees the expo as "a clear signal of China to further reform and opening-up, lead globalization and optimize business environment."

Fabrice Megarbane, the company's China president and CEO, said: "This expo is an eye-opener to witness peoples’ increasing aspiration for a better life. It provides a platform for premium and quality new brands and products to access Chinese consumers with L’Oréal’s presence."