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LYON, France – Economic, institutional, and academic leaders from France and China gathered at the Palais de la Bourse in Lyon on November 3 for the French edition of the Global Dialogue on “China’s Governance and Global Development.” The event, which brought together nearly 100 participants, signaled a strategic shift in the economic relationship between the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region and China.
Beyond Trade: A New Era of Industrial Partnership
The core takeaway from the dialogue was that the economic relationship is evolving. China is no longer viewed solely as an export market, but increasingly as a vital industrial and technological partner. Regional businesses are looking to deepen collaborations, particularly in high-growth sectors.
Key Focus Areas for Cooperation
Thomas San Marco, Vice-President of the CCI Lyon Métropole Saint-Étienne Roanne, emphasized that the goal is to expand beyond simple commercial exchanges. The Chamber of Commerce intends to act as a bridge for cooperation in several critical industries:
- Biotechnologies and Health: Drawing on the region’s strong medical research presence.
- Nuclear Industry: Leveraging existing regional expertise.
- Advanced Industry & Tech Innovation: Focusing on high-end manufacturing and digital development.
Alain Mérieux, President of the Mérieux Foundation, highlighted the rapid transformation of China’s medical and life sciences sectors, noting his nearly 50-year history of engagement with the country. Furthermore, experts like Ahmed El Ati, Director of the Vocational Training Institute of Haute-Loire, urged French institutions to study and adopt Chinese best practices to foster local innovation.
Strategic Connectivity: The Lyon-Shanghai Link
A significant topic of discussion was the potential for a direct air link between Lyon and Shanghai. While no official launch was announced, participants identified such a connection as a key lever for enhancing regional attractiveness. A direct route would facilitate professional travel, simplify logistics for regional companies already operating in China, and potentially influence future Chinese investment decisions in the Lyon area.
Yu Jiang, Consul General of China in Lyon, echoed this sentiment, identifying green economy, digital transformation, and biomedical innovation as primary fields for future bilateral cooperation.
The event concluded with a shared consensus: the future of the Lyon-China economic relationship lies in co-development. For companies in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, the focus is shifting toward building long-term industrial and technological partnerships that provide mutual benefits to both territories.
Source: Lyon Entreprises
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