Photo: Xinhua

China and France vowed to join hands in opening up, free trade and multilateralism and to inject impetus into world economic growth together.

Presidents of the two countries made the comments in speeches while attending the closing ceremony of a China-France economic forum at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Wednesday. 

Xi said China's strategy of opening up serves not only its own people and development but also other countries and their peoples as well.

He reiterated that China's door will remain open to the world and called for the doors of France and the EU to open up fairly to Chinese investors.

French President Emmanuel Macron, who's on a three-day trip to China starting Monday, spoke highly of China's opening-up in his speech, saying it has presented a valuable opportunity for countries including France and the French enterprises will continue to explore the Chinese market courageously.

Macron also welcomed the Chinese investors and promised a fair competition environment for business. 

$15.1 billion

Meanwhile, the two leaders announced agreements on Tuesday worth 15 billion U.S. dollars.
The deals cover aviation, energy and agriculture, as well as French exports of poultry, beef and pork to China.

Xi said the two nations' relationship has maintained a strong momentum since agreements were reached by the two sides in March, adding that stronger cooperation is necessary.  

First euro-denominated sovereign bonds in 15 years

China's Ministry of Finance also issued euro-denominated sovereign bonds worth 4 billion euros in Paris on the same day. 
It is the first time in 15 years the Chinese government issues euro-denominated sovereign bonds. It is also the largest foreign currency-denominated sovereign bond issued by China at a single time, and the first Chinese sovereign bond issued and listed in France.