The Chamber
China Business Forum 2024
Discover the major forum held at the French Ministry of Economy, gathering over 400 participants to mark a new momentum in economic exchanges.
This Monday, May 6th, as part of President Xi Jinping's state visit to France, a major event was held at the Ministry of Economy and Finance in Bercy: the China Business Forum. Organized by Business France, this event brought together over 400 participants, marking a new momentum in economic exchanges between the two countries.
Under the high patronage of the Directorate General of the Treasury (French Treasury) and the Ministry of Economy, the Forum provided an opportunity for French and Chinese economic players to meet, share their visions, and explore new cooperation opportunities.
On this occasion, our General Director, Caroline Penard, our Vice-President, Erwan Barre, our elected representative, Olivier Dessajan, and our Shanghai-based Director, Pascal Chen, traveled from China to highlight the many opportunities offered by this country. We warmly thank Business France, in particular Pascal Gondrand and Cecile Chatin-Touza, for their invitation!
Among the renowned speakers, notable addresses were given by Franck Riester, Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade, Attractiveness, Francophonie and French Nationals Abroad; Mr. Li Junfeng, Director General of the European Affairs Department of the Chinese Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM); Didier Boulogne, Deputy CEO of Export at Business France; as well as Pascal Gondrand, Director of Business France China. The debates were moderated by Arnaud Fleury, a renowned economic journalist.
Panel discussions were at the heart of this event, exploring economic prospects in China, shifts in consumption, and strategies to approach climate engagement. Several of our members spoke during this morning session, including Olivier Dessajan of L'Oréal, alongside Mérieux NutriSciences for the health and life sciences sector; Pernod Ricard on the wines and spirits market in China, a focus by Champagne Collet on regulations, L'Oréal gave an update on fashion, and finally Société Générale shared insights on how to secure one's development in China.
Our General Director, Caroline Penard, spoke during the panel on economic prospects in China, alongside Christian Gianella, Minister Counselor for Economic Affairs at the French Embassy in China. She emphasized the crucial importance of solid support for French companies seeking to expand internationally. She highlighted the key role of the Team France network, in collaboration with Business France, the French Foreign Trade Advisors, and the French Embassy in China.
Finally, after the conference, targeted B2B meetings were organized to deepen exchanges. Participants were able to meet with the Team France network, including Caroline Penard and Pascal Chen, along with the international direction of Business France. This event was an opportunity to meet La French Tech to discuss global digital commerce, business development, and strategic partnerships.
A huge thank you to the Business France team for the successful organization of this major event, and a big thank you to Christian Lerminiaux and all their teams for their contribution to the success of this China Business Forum, which opens new perspectives for the development of economic relations between France and China.
