The French Consulate-General in Wuhan hosted a reception to celebrate the French National Day on July 14. Director-General Zhang Xiaomei attended the event and delivered a speech.

Zhang began by extending her festive greetings. She noted that as two close partners, Hubei and France have made joint efforts to maintain frequent high-profile visits and deepen cooperation and friendship. For example, the Sino-French Wuhan Ecological Demonstration City project has seen steady progress and the joint venture Dongfeng Peugeot Citroen Automobile is now entering its 30th year. Zhang expressed her hope that the two sides should further tap into the potential of cooperation in business, new energy, AI, health, and people-to-people exchanges.

Xavier Douault, Vice Consul and chief of mission of the French Consulate-General in Wuhan, thanked Hubei for its support. He said that in recent years, France and Hubei have expanded cooperation in economy, science, technology, education, and culture. He highlighted the Consulate-General’s role as a bridge connecting French companies and local authorities. The gradual recovery of personnel exchanges between China and France also heralds a brighter future for bilateral ties. He pointed out that the number of Chinese students going to study in France has steadily increased so far this year. He concluded with the announcement that the new Consul-General will take office in October.

Officials and representatives from Wuhan FAO, Caidian District, Changsha FAO, the ROK, US and UK Consulates-General were present at the event.