February 28, 2024. Shanghai - A dinner reception in celebration of the 60th anniversary of China-France diplomatic relations and 30th anniversary of the establishment of CEIBS was held at the CEIBS Shanghai campus today, featuring a keynote speech from CEIBS Distinguished Professor and Former Prime Minister of France Jean-Pierre Raffarin.

In an opening address, CEIBS Chairman and President of Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) Ding Kuiling stated that Professor Raffarin, who has travelled back and forth between China and France multiple times over the past 50 years, displays a deep affection for the country and its people.

“SJTU, CEIBS and France share a long history of exchange and cooperation. Therefore, we should seize the historical moment of the 60th anniversary of China-France diplomatic relations and the 30th anniversary of the establishment of CEIBS to work together and promote the healthy long-term development of China-France relations,” he said.

This was followed by a keynote speech by Professor Raffarin, who stressed the need for China and France to work together, particularly in five areas in which he believes the countries share common values: global peace, diversity and dialogue, multilateralism, the development of African countries, and China-Europe relations.

“Nothing is more important than dialogue to help us navigate today’s complex world. Violence is not an option. China and France can serve as a bridge of communication between different stakeholders and countries,” he said.

He then added that as two multilateralist countries, China and France have the potential to work together on global issues such as climate change and to modernize the Charter of the United Nations to adapt it to today's new realities.

“Artificial intelligence, for example, is a priority area in which we need to establish a global regulatory mechanism, because we can't do anything without regulation”, Professor Raffarin said. “In this regard, China, France and Europe can work together to establish relevant international organisations to regulate this new technology.”

Professor Raffarin also noted that the development of Africa is another area in which the two nations can work together. “Today, Africa is threatened by terrorism (...) Given China and France’s experiences in Africa, we’re accountable in upholding multilateralism and international cooperation.”

At the same time, China should help Europe become more independent, Professor Raffarin asserted. “For peace in the world, we need a sovereign Europe. A weakened Europe does not favour China because it would lead to an imbalanced world order. This is a consequence we should actively avoid,” he said. “As an old Chinese saying goes, when you drink water, you should remember its source.”

The reception also featured a Q&A session, with topics such as cultural exchange, international business engagement, and business education discussed.

In her closing remarks, CEIBS President Wang Hong noted that Professor Raffarin first came to China in 1970, is a dear friend of the country, and is well respected by both the Chinese and French people. In 2019, Professor Raffarin was awarded the Friendship Medal, the highest honor China confers to foreign nationals for their long-standing support and help to the country.

“We have been enlightened by the five common values that Professor Raffarin has put forward and motivated to gather more countries to care for global common causes like ESG, global climate change, and aging populations. As a socially responsible international business school, we should not only set our eyes on commercial value, but also the greater development of mankind and the fulfillment of people's aspirations for a better life,” she concluded.

The event was hosted by CEIBS Vice President and Dean Frank Bournois, who noted that attendance at the exclusive gathering was balanced with equal representation from China and France alongside other esteemed guests from around the globe. The diverse array of attendees included esteemed entrepreneurs, business leaders, and chamber officials.

Before the event, Professor Raffarin also participated in a private meeting with CEIBS Chairman and President of SJTU Ding Kuiling, attended by CEIBS President Wang Hong, Consul General of France in Shanghai Joan Valadou, CEIBS Vice President and Dean Frank Bournois, CEIBS Vice President and Co-Dean Zhang Weijiong, and CEIBS Party Secretary Ma Lei.

Here, they noted that both France and China are high context cultures, and that at a time in which the world is facing numerous challenges, it is crucial for the two countries to enhance communication and cooperation. Professor Raffarin spoke highly of China's measures to optimise visa processes for foreign nationals entering China and affirmed that the world needs more similar opening and cooperation measures. Chairman Ding Kuiling used the metaphor of a chemical reaction to demonstrate the importance of connection, noting that only through true connection can two parties react, produce effective functions, and generate value. He also asserted that facing an uncertain future, there is still broader potential for cooperation between China and France.