Cultural exchange activities held in Paris to boost China-France cooperation
A series of cultural exchange activities including an exhibition, a dialogue, and promotional events were launched by China International Communications Group (CICG) in Paris from May 1-2 to enhance cooperation between China and France.
This year marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and France, and it is also the China-France Year of Culture and Tourism.
CICG coordinated central and local publicity and cultural departments to participate in the Foire de Paris 2024, which will run from May 1-12. The Academy of Contemporary China and World Studies (ACCWS) under CICG also hosted several cultural and people-to-people exchange activities.
On May 1, a China-France dialogue on promoting exchange and mutual learning between civilizations was held in Paris. The event attracted over 60 experts and scholars from the political, business, academic, and cultural fields of both countries.
Yu Yunquan, vice president of China International Communications Group (CICG) and president of CICG's Academy of Contemporary China and World Studies, delivers a speech at a China-France dialogue held in Paris, France, on May 1, 2024. [Photo/CICG]
Yu Yunquan, vice president of CICG and president of ACCWS, delivered a speech at the opening ceremony. He emphasized the importance of preserving traditions while fostering innovation to strengthen cultural and people-to-people exchange between China and France. He called for using new technologies including artificial intelligence and virtual reality to facilitate cooperation in fields such as publication, artifacts, and arts in order to open up new horizons for China-France exchange.
Participants from China and France deliver speeches at a China-France dialogue held in Paris, France, on May 1, 2024. [Photo/CICG]
During the event, officials from several Chinese provinces and cities as well as executives from the cultural sector introduced their cultural exchange projects with France. Two panel discussions were later held on the themes of modernization, common development, cross-cultural communication, and integration of culture and tourism.
Participants from France agreed that strengthening cultural exchange between the two countries will help promote collaborative efforts between China and Europe and contribute to global development.
Additionally, a campaign to collect examples of cultural exchange and cooperation was launched to commemorate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and France.
Jointly organized by ACCWS and the Center for Europe and Africa under CICG, the initiative called for submissions from government institutions, social organizations, think tanks, universities, and business associations in both countries, focusing on history and culture, traditional arts, cultural experiences, joint research, communication cooperation, and youth exchange.
On May 2, a cooperation mechanism to promote trade and cultural exchange between China and Europe was inaugurated in Paris. The mechanism aims to build a platform for cultural trade, deepen cooperation between the cultural industries of China and Europe, and enhance enterprises' capacity to expand their presence in global markets.
More than 10 companies and organizations, including the Comexposium Group, the Europe-Asia Center, the Tiantai Mountain Hehe Culture Foundation, and Xufang International Media, signed up to join the mechanism.
Carine Preterre, division managing director of the Comexposim Group, delivers a speech at launch ceremony of a cooperation mechanism to promote trade and cultural exchange between China and Europe in Paris, France, on May 2, 2024. [Photo/CICG]
Carine Preterre, division managing director of the Comexposim Group, addressed the event. She said that the Comexosium Group and CICG are committed to long-term cultural exchange and promoting mutual understanding between the two nations. She also expressed gratitude for the strong support from the Chinese participants at the Foire de Paris and said she looks forward to strengthening cooperation with the cultural communities from both countries.
The launch ceremony of a cooperation mechanism to promote trade and cultural exchange between China and Europe is held in Paris, France, on May 2, 2024. [Photo/CICG]
The event also featured a signing ceremony for cooperation between ACCWS and the Europe-Asia Center, further facilitating the overseas cooperation channels of the mechanism to promote China-Europe trade and cultural exchange.
A series of cultural exchange activities are held by China International Communications Group (CICG) in Paris, France, from May 1-2, 2024. [Photo/CICG]
During the exhibition, ACCWS collaborated with the information offices of Beijing and Shandong as well as China's National Museum, respectively, to unveil a rich array of cultural activities. And in partnership with the Taizhou municipal government, ACCWS organized a city promotion event and inaugurated the Hehe Culture Overseas Station in Paris. Over 100 guests, including officials, think tank scholars, and representatives from the cultural and tourism sectors in China and France, participated in these events.