From March 21st to 25th, the 2024 China-France Young Leaders Program, themed by “60 Years of China-France Cooperation--Looking Ahead” and co-organized by the Chinese People’s Institute of Foreign Affairs (CPIFA) and the France-China Foundation, was successfully held in Tianjin and Beijing. Nearly 50 young leaders from government, business, academia, arts and other sectors of the two sides conducted candid and in-depth exchanges over China-France cooperation in science and technology, business and trade, culture, people-to-people exchanges and other fields. The young leaders deepened their understanding about the economic and social developments of China and France and enhanced their friendship in communication through various activities including meetings, visits, panel discussions, seminars and dialogues.

In Beijing, Mr. Li Hongzhong, member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, met with the young leaders in the Great Hall of the People. Mr. Wang Chao, President of the CPIFA, and Mr. Li Zhaoxing, Honorary President of the CPIFA, met with the young leaders. The delegation also conducted exchanges with relevant experts from Tsinghua University and Phoenix TV. In Tianjin, Mr. Zhu Peng, Vice Mayor of Tianjin, met with the young leaders. The young leaders also attended “Tianjin Dialogue: China and France”, paid visits to Tianjin port, Airbus (Tianjin) Final Assembly Co Ltd., Tianjin Conservatory of Music and Beijiang Museum and toured around some sites of fine traditional Chinese culture such as the Five Avenues and the Ancient Culture Street.

The China-France Young Leaders Program was jointly launched by the CPIFA and the France-China Foundation in 2013 and is held in turn in China and France every year. This year marks the 8th edition of the Program.