China, France sign deals worth $15b

Bilateral trade reached $62.9 billion in 2018, up 15.5 percent year-on-year, the Ministry of Commerce said. By the end of last year, France's investment in China was over $17.5 billion in more than 5,600 projects.

Speaking to the two countries' business leaders at the closing ceremony of China-France Economic Forum, Xi said China's development provides good opportunities to French and European businesses. "China opens its door to the world as always, and I hope France and Europe will also open their doors to Chinese investors and provide them with a level playing field," he said.

Xi and Macron also witnessed the signing of a joint statement on the conclusion of the negotiations between China and the European Union on an agreement on geographic indications, which protect products against misuse or imitations of registered names and guarantee the true origin of the product to consumers. The agreement is expected to result in reciprocal trade benefits and demand for high-quality products on both sides.

Also on Wednesday, Premier Li Keqiang met with Macron, calling for strengthening bilateral economic cooperation as well as strategic coordination in international affairs.