Shipping group in France sees growth of unique ties

Founder says he has 'total confidence' in Chinese partners

CMA CGM Group, the world's third-largest shipping company, says it is confident about China's future and will continue strengthening its presence and cooperation with the country.

"China is our group's first market," says Jacques R. Saade, CEO and founder of CMA CGM, the biggest shipping group in France.

His words came before a visit by Premier Li Keqiang on July 1 to the group's Marseille headquarters.

"This visit is not only a great recognition of the unique ties that we have developed with China, but also a tremendous proof of trust," Saade says.

He disclosed that two major economic agreements between the group and Chinese companies will be concluded during Li's visit, but didn't give any details.

"Our group has total confidence in Chinese groups' expertise. The fact that many of our vessels and all our containers are produced in China is testimony to this confidence," he says.

Last year, CMA CGM took delivery of 75,000 new standard containers and 20,000 refrigerated containers from China International Marine Containers, the world's No 1 company for container construction.

Additionally, in recent years, CMA CGM has taken delivery of several vessels - ranging in size from 9,400 to 10,900 twenty-foot equivalent units' cargo capacity - built by Chinese shipyards.

"Three of the group's largest vessels are due to be delivered before the end of 2015," Saade says.

The CMA CGM Zheng He, expected to join the group's fleet in September, will become its largest vessel and is named after China's great explorer.

"When I first visited China in 1988, I was struck by its people and dynamism," Saade says. "I felt the country's strong potential and saw its future as a key player in world manufacturing."

The group has since developed into a strong network of 74 offices, employing 1,700 people.

"Our history is based on a deep knowledge of China and on the creation of strong partnerships with Chinese companies," he says. "I strongly believe the relationship we have built together during two decades is reinforced and will bear even more fruit in the future."

zhangchunyan@chinadaily.com.cn