An interview with Camille Levert, Sopexa's China Marketing Director Beijing Office Representative

Scene of the interview

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Host: Hello, everyone. Welcome to the interview series "China through the Eyes of Foreigners," hosted by the official website of the 2008 Olympic Games. Today we are honored to have Ms. Camille Levert, Sopexa's China Marketing Director Beijing Office Representative, here to talk about her feelings about China.

Camille Levert: Hello, everyone. I'm Camille Levert, head of the French Food Association's marketing efforts in China. I am also in charge of our office here in Beijing.

Host: How many years have you lived in China? Had you visited China before you moved here?

Camille Levert: I came to China first in 1995 to studied language at Peking University. The second time I came was when I moved here in 2005. I have lived in Beijing for three years.

Host: What do you think of the changes you've seen in Beijing during the last three years? How has Beijing changed since your visit in 1995?

Camille Levert: In 1995 I was living as a student in a dormitory in Peking University. There weren't that many cars then, and the traffic wasn't bad. You'd see many bikes but not that many stores and international people. And the economy was not as developed as it is now. When I returned ten years later, Beijing was so different from how I remembered it. The change was significant. There were tall buildings and international malls and the traffic had become a serious problem. Beijing has definitely developed quickly.

Host: It's been three years now, and Beijing is preparing to host the Olympic Games. How have things changed since you returned in 2005?

Camille Levert: The changes I've seen these three years don't compare, of course, to the changes I saw in those ten. It's been a pity that there are more and more cars on the streets every year and that traffic keeps getting worse. But Beijing has also gotten lovelier. We're starting to see the results of the effort to make Beijing more green. I really like riding my bike. On the weekends I'll ride through some of Beijing's old alleyways. I see gardens everywhere. Beijing really is more beautiful now.

Host: What places in Beijing would you recommend to visiting friends?

Camille Levert: I expect some of my friends and relatives will visit Beijing during the Olympic Games. If it's their first time here, I'll take them to the Great Wall and the Imperial Palace which are symbols of China. I also like the districts of "old Beijing," like the areas around the Drum Tower and the Lama Temple. Both of these districts show off Beijing's charm and are good representatives of China. When we need a rest, I'll take them to Dongbei-style restaurants. The style is distinctive there with tables and chairs painted red. And their dumplings are delicious.