The SME (small and medium-sized) China Prize was given away last night at the opening ceremony of the Sino-French Business Forum, which was also the occasion for the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in China's (CCIFC) annual dinner party. 

Organized by the CCIFC and the Assembly of French Chambers of Commerce and Industry, the award aims to encourage French SMEs to carry out their business in China, and reward SMEs or individual entrepreneurs that have had a long successful run in China for their courage, professionalism and determination.

The French government strongly encourages French SMEs to invest in China, launching a special scheme of China Cap Export to provide financial support as well as tax rebate.

The candidates were French SMEs and entrepreneurs with two to five years' experience, and a presence in the Chinese mainland.

Last November, the award went to Asia Inspection, and was given away by Christine Lagarde, former French Secretary of External Trade and presently Minister of Economics, Finance and Employment.

Next month, France will present the first award for the best investment project.

A sponsor of the two 2007 SMEs awards, the France-based Total Group, a leading world energy industry player, has made great efforts to help the development of SMEs.

Through these activities, the chamber wishes to make French SMEs aware of the wide spectrum of business and investment opportunities that China offers.

(China Daily November 26, 2007)