The 15th Western China International Fair (WCIF), scheduled to be held in Chengdu this autumn, is viewed as an opportunity to boost the ties between the Chinese province of Sichuan and France.

French Consulate general in Chengdu says the upcoming 15th WCIF which will be held in Chengdu this autumn, is viewed as an opportunity to boost the ties between the Chinese province of Sichuan and France.

Olivier Vaysset, the French consul-general in Chengdu, the capital of southwest China's Sichuan Province, said France will use its opportunity presence to the fair, to bring more French business that covers almost all sectors, led by environmental protection, modern agriculture and tourism.

"The Ex-French Prime Minister and Vice President, Senate Jean-Pierre Raffarin shall head the French delegation to the fair," the consul-general said.

60 French companies have since established their branches in Sichuan to conduct various businesses, such as Areva in nuclear energy, Snecma in aviation and rocket engineering, Alstom in subway construction and hydropower as well as Carrefour which deals in supermarkets .

"French companies are interested in setting up new branches in the heartland of China including the western region in a bid to get closer to customers in these places," said Vaysset.

Dongfeng Peugeot Citro?n, a joint venture between China's Dongfeng Motor Company and the French auto giant, will open a new factory in Chengdu while Danone is reportedly expanding production capacity in Qionglai in Sichuan Province.

Apart from economic exchanges, the upcoming WCIF will also feature a number of cultural activities such as ballet dance, exhibition of French cuisine and fashion shows.