The first China-France forum on local governmental cooperation, with the aim of promoting bilateral economic cooperation, kicked off Thursday in Wuhan, capital of central China's Hubei Province.

The two-day forum sponsored by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) has drawn over 500 delegates from China and France.

At the opening ceremony, Chen Haosu, president of the CPAFFC and French Senator M. Jacques Valade delivered speeches.

The forum will focus on friendship, cooperation, development and win-win goals.

The participants include leading members from 21 provinces, municipalities and over 30 cities in China and more than 30 governors and 20 mayors or vice mayors from France.

This forum will give a boost to the two country's communication and economic cooperation in economy, trade and culture and will promote mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples, Valade said.

A declaration of China-France local governmental cooperation will be signed at the end of the forum.

Former French Prime Minister Pierre Mauroy attended the forum in the capacity of President of Lille Urban Association.

The second China-France forum on local governmental cooperation will be held in France.

Source: Xinhua