Future

Ladsous presided over the opening of a French consulate in Shenyang, capital of Liaoning province, in February this year to show support for the Chinese government's efforts to further develop the region.

He said "at least 200 French firms" are in the region, primarily in Shenyang, Dalian and Changchun, working with local companies making truck tires, helicopters and ships.

After 30 years of work by French institutes with the region's universities to train students in language and medicine, and by companies making autos and heavy equipment, the new consulate is a signal of further trust and communication, he said.

France also has consulates in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Wuhan and Chengdu.

(China Daily July 14, 2008)