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

Camille Levert

Host: What kind of benefits do you think will come from the Olympic Games?

Camille Levert: The Olympic Games will have a very positive influence on China. First, it will give China a new way to interact with other countries. More and more people are paying attention to China and Beijing now. Culturally, economically and educationally we're going to see more interaction. As a foreigner living in China, I see that more and more international investors and brands have come to China. When I first came, there weren't a lot of international students, but their numbers and the number of people coming to work here have increased a lot. The Olympic Games will also be a good opportunity to allow China to exchange ideas with and better understand other countries.

Host: When did the French Food Association come to China? Tell us more about it and about how the Olympics will affect the Association.

Camille Levert: The French Food Association's purpose is to promote French agricultural products in China's market. The French Food Association has offices in 41 countries, five of which are in China—Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hong Kong and Chinese Taipei. With five offices here, you can see we put a lot of emphasis on China. We will emphasize communication during the Olympic Games. Since there will be many events during that time and a lot of foreigners visiting China as well, this is an opportunity for us to communicate with visitors and improve our understanding of each other. We want more and more Chinese people and foreign companies to get to know our association and understand more about what we do.

Host: What kind of projects is your association working on this year?

Camille Levert: We will be launching a series of promotional campaigns in 2008. We plan to promote the wine of Bordeaux in the cities of Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou at the end of April. There will be a tasting party for professionals who work in this field, and we'll be holding a news conference. Another important event coming up in June is the "Apéritif à la Française," which is an annual event aimed to promote the lifestyle of France. Later in 2008, we will be promoting milk products and chocolate, Alsace wine, and presenting an exhibition of French chateaus. I hope a lot of people will take part in a few of the many events we're organizing.

Host: The Olympic Games are around the corner. What kind of wishes would you like to offer the Olympics?

Camille Levert: First, I wish the 2008 Olympic Games success and hope they will leave a good impression on people all over the world. Moreover, I hope the Chinese team will win a lot of medals. And the French team, too! In short, I hope China will be successful in hosting the Olympic Games!

Host: Thank you! We also hope that the French Food Association's business will have a splendid future in China. Our interview ends here. Thank you all! Bye!