French, Wuxi enterprises partner up in green development

A rendering of Envision Group's zero-carbon industrial park. [Photo/WeChat account: fabujiangyin]

Envision Group inked cooperation agreements with two French counterparts at the Sixth Meeting of the China-France Business Council, which was held in Paris on May 6.

Envision will collaborate with Suez Group, the second largest giant in the global environmental protection industry, in the domains of lithium battery recycling, green energy, and digital platforms for carbon management.

The Wuxi-France Cooperation and Exchange Meeting and the "French Day" event open on March 20 during the 2024 Wuxi International Month. [Photo provided to wuxi.gov.cn]

The Wuxi business will also further its collaboration with Fives Group to develop intelligent infrastructure and digital management technologies by establishing projects involving wind power, hydrogen, and green ammonia.

Zhang Lei, founder and CEO of Envision, said that the strategic partnership with Suez will help strengthen their recycling capabilities for battery manufacturing.

He also hopes Envision's renewable energy system solutions and intelligent internet of things platform will be used in France to help achieve zero carbon emissions.

An aerial view of a lighting ceremony celebrating the 60th anniversary of the establishment of China-France diplomatic relations in Wuxi. [Photo provided to wuxi.gov.cn]

Wuxi established a sister-city relationship with Nimes, France in 2007, and their exchanges have grown closer and more extensive over time. Leading French companies like Schneider and Legrand have invested in Wuxi, with a total of 48 investment projects worth $980 million. In 2023, Wuxi's trade with France jumped 23.5 percent from the previous year to $1.76 billion.

In celebration of this milestone in their relationship, Wuxi hosted a wide range of activities themed around the economy, culture and education during the 2024 Wuxi International Month in March.