Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in France on Tuesday evening for a state visit to mark 50 years of diplomatic ties between the two countries. As the French economy is struggling to improve, China could play a big role in its recovery.
The heavy machinery is beginning to arrive. It is the start of a construction project which will bring a major industrial and tech hub to this part of central France - designed to boost trade ties between France, China and the rest of Europe.
"When Chinese companies enter France, it represents them entering the European market as well. So this is a very attractive place for Chinese investors," said Wang Shouyu, president of Sino-French Economic Coorperation Zone.
Chateauroux is two hours from Paris by train - well connected, easily accessible and right in the middle of Europe.
But this old, historic city has seen its industrial economy decline. Rush hour in Chateauroux is not a particularly busy affair. So the city has high hopes for this collaboration with Chinese investors.
Much of the site remains quiet. This is still, for now, beautiful French countryside. The construction project proper is due to start next month. Come back in a decade and it's hoped there will be thousands of people working here.
The Sino-French Economic Cooperation Zone will target the automotive, aircraft equipment, IT, energy, medicine and education sectors, among others.
It will cover about 460 hectares.
The region hopes it will flourish with Chinese investment, and for Chinese firms a potential route into the heart of the European economy.
"This project is a platform which means we'll help Chinese companies to enter European markets. But also we'll help European companies to enter Asian markets. So it's a win-win situation," said Tong Yuxiao, CEO of Sino-French Economic Coorperation Zone.
This chateau will become a hotel. The zone will mix the old and the new, which is exactly what some financial experts believe the region's economy needs. Planners will also reuse a closed military base.
Organizers say this is a project aimed squarely at pulling down barriers to trade. If it succeeds the benefits will be felt far beyond these boundaries.
Source: CCTV
