"Chinese standards are prevalent in strategic sectors": Yann Marvin, GDF Suez

Yann Marvin - Chongqing is experiencing remarkable growth, as witnessed by its "Times Square" district and the many buildings housing the headquarters of national multi-nationals. And the city is continuing to expand, with the development of three new business centres that make up Chongqing's Golden Triangle. Ultra-modern districts are being built in the various districts of the municipality.

 

Y. M. - Chongqing is home to a number of French companies, including GDF SUEZ, Lafarge, Carbone Lorraine and hotel groups such as Accor. Their involvement in Chongqing is real. Gérard Mestrallet, Chairman of GDF SUEZ, headed the Chongqing Mayor's International Economic Advisory Council (CMIA) for several years. I also have high hopes for the arrival of the French Chamber of Commerce in the neighbouring city of Chengdu.

 

Y. M. - Establishing a presence in China in general, and in Chongqing in particular, requires us to adapt and to have a local presence. The message of openness addressed to foreign investors holds a lot of potential, but Chinese standards still hold sway in strategic sectors. So we need to be patient and step back to understand the differences between our cultures. Our Chinese partners appreciate this approach.