Nanjing is becoming a hub for international collaboration, particularly through its growing partnerships with France. The city’s growing prominence was on full display on November 7 at the China–France Economic and Trade Cooperation Conference, held at Nanjing’s Jinling Hotel.

Jointly hosted by the Bank of China, the French and Chinese New Institute of Lyon, the Bank of China Jiangsu Branch, and the Nanjing Investment Promotion Bureau—with support from the Chinese Consulate in Lyon—the event drew more than 150 business and institutional representatives.

Their discussions focused on how enterprises can capture value through trade, technology transfer, and education partnerships in a rapidly evolving global economy.

The Nanjing Investment Promotion Bureau has named the Bank of China’s Paris and Nanjing branches as “Global Investment Cooperation Partners” and signed a cooperation memorandum with the France-China Friendship Association to build a professional, long-term international investment bridge. French enterprises, including Arc Group, have also entered financial cooperation agreements in Nanjing.

These deals mark a deliberate shift from national-level coordination to regional, city-led engagement—reflecting a broader trend in Nanjing’s international economic outreach.

“There are several universities here and several innovation center which allow us to develop in a very innovative ecosystem business and all solutions,” said Adrien Peulvast, CTO of Ansaio Rail Transit Technology. “What is very interesting in Nanjing is the people are quite open. So I think it’s more easy here to establish international relation.”

Over the past three years, these sectors have seen a marked increase in foreign participation, supported by local initiatives designed to streamline cross-border investment.

Alan Labat, President of the Paris Association of French-Chinese Friendship and Vice President of French and Chinese New Institute of Lyon, highlighted this strategic rebalancing:

“Nanjing is no longer just a historical or cultural hub—it’s becoming a genuine innovation center. The local government’s willingness to engage with international firms has created new pathways for cooperation.”

Nanjing’s efforts have further facilitated educational collaboration: the Jiangsu Liaison Office of the French and Chinese New Institute of Lyon was established in Nanjing last year, and institutions such as AgroParisTech and Lyon’s ECAM LaSalle have signed agreements with Nanjing University of Science and Technology. Together, Nanjing, Paris, and Lyon will launch the “Comprehensive Sino-French Educational Innovation Cooperation Plan”, marking deeper ties in trade, technology, education, and culture.

For French and other international investors, the message was clear: Nanjing is moving to the front line of global partnership. And once again, Nanjing is positioning itself not merely as an alternative to traditional hubs—but as an opportunity for global investors interested in regionally driven, innovation-led cooperation in the decade ahead.

From Invest Nanjing