Chongqing - Chinese President Xi Jinping wrapped up a two-day visit to France on May 7. The previous day, at the Sixth Meeting of the China-France Business Council in Paris, SUEZ and Chongqing Sanfeng Environment Group Corp., Ltd. signed a Framework Agreement on Comprehensive Strategic Cooperation, which was observed by prominent Chinese and French attendees.
The Sixth Meeting of the China-France Business Council in Paris. (Photo/Sanfeng Environment)
This collaboration targets key areas such as waste incineration project investment, engineering procurement, construction (EPC), technology, product supply, and operational management, aiming to combine their strengths to penetrate the global solid waste market.
SUEZ and Sanfeng Environment signed a Framework Agreement on Comprehensive Strategic Cooperation on May 6. (Photo/Sanfeng Environment)
Liao Gaoxiang, Chairman of Sanfeng Environment, commended SUEZ for its technological leadership and service excellence, acknowledging them as a crucial strategic partner. He expects the partnership to boost joint scientific research, innovation, and talent development in the low-carbon and recycling sectors, enhancing Sino-French environmental and energy initiatives.
As a leader in China's environmental and solid waste sector, Sanfeng Environment possesses comprehensive technology research, development, and equipment manufacturing expertise. It is recognized as one of the top 500 new energy companies globally.
By the end of 2023, the company's innovative technologies and equipment were operational in 411 incineration lines across 253 waste management projects in eight countries, including China, India, Vietnam, Thailand, and Ethiopia. These facilities collectively handle over 220,000 tons of domestic waste each day.
SUEZ's investment of over 4 billion yuan (about USD 550 million) in Chongqing underscores its commitment to the region, an example of Sino-foreign cooperation in the water industry. This partnership complements the presence of other French multinationals like Schneider Electric and Sodefinance in Chongqing. Notably, Schneider Electric has opened its first innovation center in China here, dedicated to various aspects of intelligent manufacturing.
In an interview last September, Zhang Ruling, Chairman and CEO of Sodefinance, emphasized Chongqing as a strategic location for foreign enterprises to establish regional headquarters, citing successful past investments and collaborations.
In addition to direct investments, French companies actively trade with Chongqing. Key trading activities include the China Railway Express (Yuxinou), which transports goods like automobiles and appliances from Chongqing to France, and cosmetics and mechanical parts from France to Chongqing.
According to 2023 Chongqing Customs data, exports to France surged by 24.8%, reaching 9.38 billion yuan. Laptops, textiles, and auto parts were the primary export goods.
Data of Chongqing's export to France in 2023. (Graphic/Zheng Ran)
On November 28 last year, the direct Chongqing to Paris flight route was reinstated, marking the first such restoration in China's central and western regions and boosting further exchanges between Chongqing and Paris.