Jinan Overseas International Communication Center Opens in Paris

The Jinan Overseas International Communication Center (濟南海外國際傳播中心) was inaugurated in Paris on November 26, 2024, alongside a cultural exhibition celebrating the city’s spring water heritage. Tang Ji (唐霽), Deputy Director of Xinhua News Agency Paris Branch (新華社巴黎分社副社長), and Sun Shihui (孫世會), Deputy Director of the Jinan Propaganda Office, presided over the ceremony with French officials. The center claimed it would “tell Jinan’s story to the world and showcase the unique charm of spring culture” (向世界講述濟南故事，展示泉水文化的獨特魅力), according to coverage by Jinan Daily News Group. Three French representatives were appointed as “Spring City Recommenders” including France-China Friendship Association vice-chair Liyakid Ben Ami, “My French Friends” association president Mai Sui, and Beatrice de Focko, former global communications director at BNP Paribas (法國巴黎銀行). Sophie Mette, a French National Assembly member representing Gironde, stated that the exhibition would deepen understanding of Jinan’s culture among French citizens. Officials said the center would serve as a platform for deepening cultural exchanges between China and France.