"The visit to China by 400 French youths is more important than the pursuit of 100 Air Bus aeroplanes," Premier Wen Jiabao pointed out, referring to the Sino-French Youth Exchange Project.

On his visit to France last December, Wen paid special attention to the youth exchange between the two countries.

He and President Chirac reached an agreement that the two nations would each send 400 youths to France in 2007 and to China in 2006, to strengthen communication among the young people.

The bilateral visit marks the largest-scale Sino-French youth exchange activity in two decades.

It is without precedent in creativity, and continues with the fruits of the Cultural Year of China and France. Also, the project is the first of its kind between China and European countries over the past few years.

Five teams of youth representatives between 18 and 35 in the area of arts, economy, technology, science, social organization and politics will get to know each other and deepen mutual understanding in a week's time.

The event is dependent upon collaborations of the local governments and higher educational institutions of both sides. It has meanwhile gained the support of French enterprises.

This year, within the framework of the programme, 400 French youths will visit China to further improve their knowledge of the country. They are working with and building up contacts with Chinese peers and authorities in respective circles.

The project in China took its first step successfully a few months ago, when 100 French youths involved in the arts arrived in China and inaugurated the two-year-long mutual exchange.

Between June 2 and 11, they toured Beijing, Hangzhou, capital of East China's Zhejiang Province, and Shanghai. They were introduced to the pictures of different historical periods of the three cities, which weigh a lot in arts and life style in ancient and modern China.

The French youths were fascinated with the rich cultural heritages and antique architecture. Also they showed great interest in China's local operas, including Peking Opera and Yueju Opera.

The conversations on stage arts and techniques wound up with the curious guests putting on amazing costumes and learning from Chinese opera actors.

In addition, the young people shared their views on fashion and modern life. Coming from one of the world's fashion centres, the French recognized Shanghai girls' outstanding taste in vogue and boldness in the colour selection.

In July, another 100 promising French entrepreneurs at an average age of 28 carried out explorations in China.

Divided into three groups, they sought collaborative and business opportunities in the aspects of consumer products, the processing industry of agricultural products and biotechnology, information technology and engineering.

They received a warm welcome at major Chinese enterprises in Beijing, Shanghai, Nanjing, capital of East China's Jiangsu Province, and Shenyang, capital of Northeast China's Liaoning Province. Since most of them were in China for the first time, they had high expectations of the Chinese market.

The trip provided them glimpses into the local commercial system and market conditions, and cultural differences between the East and West.

It laid the foundations for future co-operation and an entrance to the Chinese market and consumers.

This month, the other two teams of 200 social workers and scientists will arrive. The exchanges will mainly focus on sanitary and medical areas, social development, environment and globalization.

Proposed by the Chinese Government, a delegation of 20 French politicians will soon visit the country, too.

The project in France is scheduled in 2007 involving 400 Chinese youth engaged in similar professions.

Philippe Guelluy, French ambassador to China, said that the youth programme is an ambitious project, and it flips to a new page of Sino-French all-around co-operation.

(China Daily 10/25/2006 page22)