China France economic cooperation took center stage in Beijing as President Xi Jinping and French President Emmanuel Macron addressed the closing session of the 7th China-France Business Council on December 4, 2025. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to expanding bilateral trade, strengthening investment flows, and enhancing cooperation in strategically important emerging industries. Their remarks come at a time of global uncertainty, making the China-France partnership a stabilizing force within broader China-EU relations.
A Renewed Economic Partnership Backed by Strong Figures
During the council’s closing session, Xi emphasized that China France economic cooperation has produced substantial results over the past year. Bilateral trade reached $68.75 billion in the first ten months of 2025, while mutual investment exceeded $27 billion, underscoring the significance of the economic relationship.
Xi stated that both nations are entering “a new 60-year cycle” in their diplomatic and economic relations. He encouraged leaders and businesses on both sides to seize fresh opportunities that can fuel long-term and sustainable growth. Macron echoed this sentiment, reaffirming France’s enthusiasm for deeper engagement in China’s evolving economic landscape.
Focus on Emerging Industries Defining Future Growth
The leaders highlighted several sectors where China France economic cooperation can be rapidly expanded:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Green and Low-Carbon Technologies
- Digital Industries
- Biomedicine and Healthcare Innovation
- Silver Economy and Aging Society Services
According to Xi, these industries are crucial drivers of global economic transformation. Strengthening collaboration in these fields will not only enhance bilateral competitiveness but also promote solutions to shared challenges such as climate transition and technological disruption.
Promoting a Predictable and Transparent Business Environment
Xi Jinping stressed the importance of maintaining transparent, fair, and predictable conditions for companies operating in both markets. This commitment aims to boost investor confidence and encourage more French firms to expand their presence in China’s advanced manufacturing, clean energy, and digital sectors.
Macron noted that French companies have longstanding roots in China and that deeper engagement will help them contribute to—and benefit from—China’s next phase of modernization.
Ties Within the Broader China-EU Relationship
Xi also underscored that China France economic cooperation plays a strategic role in stabilizing China-EU relations. He urged France to work with China in promoting mutual respect, dialogue, and collaboration across the European Union.
He emphasized the need to support multilateral institutions such as the United Nations (UN) and World Trade Organization (WTO), linking bilateral cooperation to global governance. China’s upcoming Five-Year Plan, he added, will expand high-standard opening-up and policy support for innovation-driven growth—creating additional opportunities for European partners.
Opportunities for French Companies Under China’s New Five-Year Plan
Xi invited French businesses to take part in China’s next development phase. The new plan is expected to prioritize:
- Innovation-driven development
- High-quality, sustainable growth
- Advanced manufacturing
- Green transformation
- Further market access improvements
French companies in aerospace, energy, healthcare, digital solutions, and luxury goods stand to gain from favorable conditions and fresh opportunities.
A Strategic Outlook for the Next Decades
The 7th China-France Business Council marks a significant step in reinforcing China France economic cooperation. By strengthening trade ties, encouraging investment, and expanding collaboration in cutting-edge industries, both nations aim to forge a resilient partnership capable of driving growth in the decades ahead.
As global uncertainty continues to reshape markets, the deepening economic cooperation between China and France provides a crucial foundation for stability, technological advancement, and mutual prosperity.
Source: CGTN