(25 February 2022)

Hong Kong Commercial Daily – On 25 February 2022, Sunwah Group hosted the “Opening Ceremony of the Sunwah – France Innovation Center” in Nanjing City, China. With the support of various foreign agencies, trade associations, scientific research institutes, universities and enterprises from China and France, the Center was established and operated as an innovative platform to promote comprehensive cooperation in the fields of science and technology, environment protection, trading, culture, investment and human development, in order to contribute to the growth of both countries.

Opening Ceremony of the Sunwah – France Innovation Center” in Nanjing City, China

Attendees of the Ceremony included representatives of the French Consulate in Shanghai, such as Consul General Mr Benoît Guidée, Deputy Consul Mr Louis Belmont, Representative of Investment and Trade Department Mr Nicolas Furio, Representative of Science and Technology Department Ms Marine Alaouchiche; Mr Yao Dai, China Commercial Director of the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in China (CCIFC); Mr Ryad Chellali, a reputable French Professor; Mr David Couvidat, Principal of Alliance Française School in Nanjing; and representatives from Jiangsu Foreign Affairs Office, Jiangsu Federation of Industry and Commerce, Nanjing Investment Promotion Bureau, Nanjing City Foreign Affairs Department, Jiangsu Industrial Research Institute, Sino – French Academy of Architecture (under Nanjing University of Science and Technology). The Ceremony also received the participation of more than 50,000 people joining physically and virtually.

Mr Johnson Choi, Executive Director of Sunwah Group (first row, fifth from left); Mr Benoît Guidée, Consul General of France in Shanghai (first row, sixth from left); Mr Wang Dongning, Chief of Nanjing Investment Promotion Bureau (first row, fourth from left); and other Honorary Guests

 Dr Jonathan Choi, Standing Member of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, Chairman of the Guangdong – Hong Kong – Macau Greater Bay Area Entrepreneurs Union and Chairman of Sunwah Group, delivered his speech virtually. Dr Choi noted that, while the world is facing the anti-globalization movement in several countries, the close partnership between China and France is becoming an example of a long-term friendship between nations. Notably, after France assumed the role of rotating chair of the EU Council, cooperation between the two countries is being raised to a new height. Sunwah – France Innovation Center was established with the goal of establishing a new platform for Sino-French cooperation on innovation in various fields.

Dr Jonathan Choi, Chairman of Sunwah Group, delivered his speech virtually

 Executive Director of Sunwah Group, Mr Johnson Choi said that Sunwah has a long-standing relationship in many fields with French partners. Over the years, the two sides have successfully implemented many initiatives in culture, art, agri-food and science and technology, etc. Nanjing City not only has strengths in science and education, focusing on innovation but also strongly facilitates exchanges and cooperation with many French partners, which has built a solid foundation for the establishment of the Sunwah – France Innovation Center.

Mr Benoît Guidée, Consul General of France in Shanghai, also said that the establishment of Sunwah – France Innovation Center is very important and is also a new milestone in the long-term cooperation between Sunwah and France. Jiangsu province is one of France’s most important partners in China in the development of scientific and academic cooperation and is also the largest recipient of French investment in China. In the future, with the establishment of the Sunwah – France Innovation Center, the partnerships between Jiangsu province and France will develop significantly.

At the Opening Ceremony, Mr Johnson Choi and Professor Ryad Chellali announced the establishment of the Sino – French Innovative Technology Application and Transformation Center (Crea TIS-FC). This will be an important incubator for future Sino – French research and cooperation results on technological innovation. Mr Johnson Choi, on behalf of Sunwah Group, presented the letter of appointment to the position of Co-CEO of Sunwah – French Innovation Center and Representative of Crea TIS-FC to Professor Ryad Chellali.

The Inauguration of the Sino – French Innovative Technology Application and Transformation Center (Crea TIS-FC)

On the same day, the Forum on “Innovative Cooperation and Investment Opportunities on Carbon Neutralization between China and France” was also held with the participation of speakers from Jiangsu Industrial Technology Research Institute, Urban and Rural Construction Committee of Nanjing, Sino-French Academy of Architects under Nanjing University of Science and Technology, and many Chinese and French enterprises. The speakers had in-depth discussions on methods of cooperation between China and France, increasing investment opportunities and training talents in this field.

Forum on “Innovative Cooperation and Investment Opportunities on Carbon Neutralization between China and France”

 Sunwah Group has been working with French partners in many areas for a long time. Over the years, the Group has implemented extensive and effective cooperation activities in many fields such as Culture and Arts, Agricultural Products, Education, Science and Technology, as well as established several trade associations. The Group’s contribution in promoting cooperation between the two countries has been highly appreciated by three French Presidents in recent terms.

Translated from Hong Kong Commercial Daily