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    Grand event fosters Sino-French relations
Zhang Yu'an
2005-09-20 08:16

The Year of France in China, which ended over the weekend with magnificent performances in Beijing, will have a long-lasting influence on Sino-French co-operation in the culture sector and beyond.

Henri Proglio, chairman of the Honourary Committee for the Year of France in China and chairman and CEO of Veolia Environnement, said in Beijing on Sunday that the event will have a far-reaching influence not only on cultural co-operation and exchanges between the two countries, but also on the economic sector.

As a result, France has pledged to provide more scholarships for brilliant Chinese students to study at top French universities in the years to come.

A number of cultural and educational co-operation projects have been launched recently as part of the events of the Year of France in China.

These include the establishment of the Institute Pasteur in Shanghai - a Franco-Chinese technology institute, the establishment of a French cultural centre in Beijing, and the signing of a co-operation agreement between Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics and Paris-based Ecole Centrale University.

"The training of talented people is of great importance for the future co-operation between France and China," Proglio said.

On the economic front, Proglio said that his group of Veolia Environnement has been in China for about 10 years and has launched sustainable development projects with many local governments.

"I'm very satisfied with the 10-year partnerships in China and have full confidence about future co-operation," he said.

But for many other French companies, Proglio continued, the Year of France in China has helped them better understand China, promoted exchanges between French and Chinese businesses, and laid a solid foundation for future co-operation.

Through the events, all the French companies involved have decided to readjust their China development strategies towards a very positive direction, he said.

Regarding environmental protection, Proglio said that through his constant contacts with both Chinese central and local governments, he has learned that environmental protection has become a top priority in the development of the country.

With a history of more than 150 years in municipal design and construction, Veolia Environnement pursues sustainable development with its Chinese partners in the sectors of city planning, construction, development and management.

And in the stages of urban development, environment, energy and transportation are essential elements and become more and more crucial in urban growth.

The only group with worldwide reach focusing on environmental services, Veolia Environnement aims to play a fundamental role in Chinese urban growth and sustainable development.

Honourary Committee

Proglio was appointed by French President Jacques Chirac to be the chairman of the Honorary Committee for the Year of France in China due to Veolia Environnement's sound co-operation in China, his strong capability in organizing leading French companies to join the committee and President Chirac's trust in him.

The committee was set up in September 2004 to enable companies to support and promote the organizing of cultural and economic exchanges between France and China.

The committee comprises 28 major French companies including Veolia Environnement and an almost equivalent number of Chinese companies.

Of the total budget of 37 million euros (US$45.5 million) for the Year of France in China, about 22 million euros (US$26.88 million) were from the French and Chinese companies.

"The purpose of the Year of France in China is to help the Chinese people better understand France and introduce the Chinese people to a real France that combines both its ancient arts, modern science and technology and advanced economy," said Proglio.

He praised the Year of China in France as a great success which aroused great interest from the French people to learn more about China and helped them deepen their understanding about this oriental country.

In the Year of France in China, organizers held more than 300 various events throughout the Chinese mainland, which aimed at enabling more Chinese people to take part in the events.

Proglio said he has received a positive response from various circles about the Year of France in China. The Metropolis Exhibition alone has attracted more than 60,000 Chinese visitors.

Cultural diversity

Proglio said France and China share some similarities in some areas. For instance, both countries have well protected their own cultural legacies, which helps maintain cultural diversity in the world. The French people are very proud of their history and culture.

He said he hoped more cultural activities be held between the two countries to help further promote understanding about each other's splendid culture in the future.

In addition to delicious food and luxury goods, France is also well known for its creativity and innovation, advanced science and technology and economy, he said.

(China Daily 09/20/2005 page4)

 
                 

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