The 1st China-France forum on local governmental cooperation, aiming to promote bilateral economic cooperation, opened in Wuhan, capital of central China's Hubei Province, on Thursday.

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, French Senator M. Jacques Valade and CPAFFC President Chen Haosu both delivered speeches.

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

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.

A declaration of China-France local governmental cooperation is expected to be signed at the end of the event.

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

The 2nd China-France forum on local governmental cooperation will be held in France.

(Xinhua News Agency October 28, 2005)