Maurice Gourdault-Montagne, Chinese name Gu Shan, French Ambassador in China

CHONGQING (CQNEWS) -- 'Chongqing, China's Tomorrowland', an activity jointly held by the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in China (CCIFC) and Chongqing Municipal People's Government, kicked off in the Mountain City on 22nd October. A delegation of 15 French enterprises was led by French Ambassador in China Gu Shan (Maurice Gourdault-Montagne) and the Honorary Chairwoman of CCIFC Annick De Bentzmann to visit Chongqing and understand more about the changes and development that have taken place recent years while also seeking new opportunities for French entrepreneurs.

The activity series of 'China's Tomorrowland' was initiated by CCIFC in 2010, aimed at facilitating its members, as well as French enterprises that find it difficult to access China’s markets, to develop cooperation between the second and third-tier cities of China. The program has already been carried out in domestic cities such as Xiamen, Tianjin and Dalian, while Chongqing was already visited upon the program’s initial establishment.

Chongqing is now the first city to receive a return visit from CCIFC and is set to enter into collaboration opportunities in green building, clean energy as well as smart transportation.

As both France and Chongqing are famous for their rich food culture, when asked about the impression on Chongqing's food, Gu Shan, assuming his new position just 2 months ago, said he ate Chongqing Noodles (Xiaomian) upon his arrival in the city and promised to try it again. "Food is an important component of French culture. I believe that quite a lot of Chongqing gourmets will choose to open restaurants serving authentic Chongqing food in France. Serving specialties such as hot pot and Xiaomian will be well received in France, even by the picky taste buds in Paris." (Translated by Chen Siyan, Fathom Language Limited)