Today’s ties between China and the European Union trace their origins to almost half a century ago. During that time, China has opened to the world, its economy and enterprises making incredible progress; Europe has continued to lead the way in key industries. On both sides, business has been vital in driving development and social change.

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries 60 years ago, bilateral trade between China and France has grown from around $100 million to nearly $80 billion in 2023. In May this year, President Xi Jinping and President Emmanuel Macron met to mark the anniversary of the countries’ formal relationship and look toward a shared future, discussing common interests as well as points of contention in one of the world’s most significant bilateral relationships. The signing of 18 interdepartmental cooperation agreements and 15 commercial contracts demonstrates a desire on both sides to promote openness and high-quality development, as well as the vast potential of pragmatic cooperation between China and France.

In 2023, Sino-French relations have been fully restored following the disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic. In April, French President Emmanuel Macron visited China, where he and Chinese President Xi Jinping signed a sweeping 51-point joint declaration; in June, Chinese Premier Li Qiang visited France; in July, the French Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire visited China. These frequent and productive meetings between China and France have successfully opened new avenues for collaboration. Next year, China and France will celebrate the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, with both sides expecting and aiming for comprehensive, high-quality cooperation in the future.

Join us on November 14, 2023, in Brussels for the CEIBS Insights 9^th Europe Forum on the theme of Toward Another 20 years of EU-China Economic Cooperation.

Join us on September 8, 2022, in Paris for the CEIBS Insights 8^th Europe Forum on the theme of Chinese Post-COVID Economy: Major Changes.

Join us on September 7, 2022, in Brussels for the CEIBS Insights 8^th Europe Forum on the theme of China-Europe Cooperation on Decarbonization.

Although the COVID-19 pandemic has brought the global economy to its knees, it has also motivated countries worldwide to revisit the significance of sustainability. In September 2020, Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged at the UN General Assembly that China would strive to peak carbon dioxide emissions before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality before 2060. Staying at the forefront of the global movement toward carbon neutrality, the EU launched the world’s first greenhouse gas emissions cap-and-trade scheme in 2005, and passed a draft of the European Climate Law in April 2021. The French government has also unveiled a 100 billion euro stimulus scheme to drive post-pandemic economic rebound, of which 30 billion euros will go toward carbon neutrality.

L’émergence d’une classe moyenne, de plus en plus nombreuse et de plus en plus exigeante, est un des marqueurs de l’économie chinoise de ces dernières années. Les enjeux financiers sont considérables, car, cette classe moyenne composée de différentes strates, est apparue depuis l’ouverture économique du pays et dispose d’un pouvoir d’achat en constante augmentation. Une montée en puissance assortie d’aspirations nouvelles de qualité, de disponibilité et d’immédiateté des produits et services.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and the 47th anniversary of ambassadorial-level diplomatic relations between China and the UK. As such, it represents a valuable opportunity for the deepening of ties in the current “Golden Era” of China-UK relations. At this historic juncture, the UK stands to benefit from opportunities brought on by China’s consumption upgrade and supply-side structural reform, the wider opening of the Chinese market, and the Belt and Road Initiative. As both technology and business models continue to evolve, the changing landscape of the global industrial chain will undoubtedly create unprecedented opportunities for co-operation between Chinese and UK businesses.