The Sino-French South China Innovation Forum convened on January 29 to spotlight a new era of industrial synergy.
Against the backdrop of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area's (GBA) soaring tech sector, the forum highlighted China-France cooperation in innovation, and how Guangzhou technologies and products have evolved from simple exports into a global leader in smart innovation.
Christophe Lauras, President of CCI France Chine, emphasized that for French companies in the fields of robotics, AI, and biotechnology, South China is no longer just a manufacturing base, but the world's premier innovation laboratory.
"China is probably today number one in innovation," Mr. Lauras stated. He noted that French firms specializing in hydrogen, electricity, and the AI industry are increasingly choosing the GBA over other global hubs. "They come to South China because this is where they thrive," he added, highlighting that the region has been recognized as the most dynamic for emerging technologies.
From "silver economy" to global markets
The definition of Guangdong goods is undergoing a radical transformation. Once known for textiles and appliances, Guangzhou is now exporting high-end solutions for global challenges.
Olivier Dessajan, Co-President of the French Healthcare Alliance, pointed to the GBA's dominance in medical technology, particularly within the "silver economy" aimed at aging populations.
Mr. Dessajan remarked that the technologies currently being developed in the region—ranging from fall-detection technologies to smart prescription systems—are among the best in the world. He asserted that the GBA is the "place to be" for the future of global health, suggesting that the mission now is to "attract key innovations and bring them to Europe."
Guangdong goods in daily life
The influence of Guangzhou's innovation is also being felt at the household level.
Alexandre Levy, General Manager of MindTrust Sustainability, offered a personal anecdote that resonated with many attendees. He shared that his own children are users of Imoo (Xiao Tian Cai) smartwatches—a quintessential Guangdong goods brand that has revolutionized wearable tech for kids. Now almost every child has his or her own smartwatch, convenient not only for parents to contact their kids but also for enriching the ways children communicate with one another.
As Guangzhou hosts the first APEC Senior Officials' Meeting of 2026, the forum's focus on innovation aligns perfectly with the APEC goals of openness and sustainable growth. By fostering the China-French connection, the event demonstrated that the future of Guangdong is not just about selling products but about co-creating the smart, green, and interconnected systems of tomorrow.
With the GBA continuing to lead in patents and tech clusters, the partnership between French ingenuity and Guangzhou's industrial prowess is set to be a cornerstone of the new 60-year cycle of China-French relations.
Reporter | Guo Chuhua
Photo | Guo Chuhua
