Chinese investment brings dynamism to a small city
Carhaix-Plouguer, a quiet city in the northwestern French region of Brittany, had plunged into an economic impasse for several years. But today, this small city with about 8,000 inhabitants has been boosted by Synutra, a baby milk factory with investment from China.
The Synutra dairy group, based in China, invested more than 200 million euros ($237 million) in its factory in Carhaix, which now has around 350 employees.
Following the initial investment in September 2016, the plant now processes hundreds of metric tons of fresh milk daily to create powdered infant formula for export to China.
Apart from roughly 10 Chinese employees, including interpreters, the production site is entirely French-speaking.
“This plant really plays a role in driving local development,” said Patrick Bischofberger, director of the plant. Through the production chain effect, “four times the number of employees, 1,400 people can benefit from Synutra’s activities. In addition, 800 milk producers benefit from our presence”, he said.
The factory cleared initial fears related to foreign investment and “today, Synutra organizes open door meetings, inviting schools and politicians to visit our factory”, Bischofberger said.
Local mayor Christian Troadec said: “The benefits of the presence of Synutra are visible. Since the construction of the factory in 2014, hundreds of workers have worked daily on the site, providing economic opportunities for restaurants, hotels and shops in Carhaix.”
The change in Carhaix reflects the healthy development of the economic ties between the two countries.
Earlier this month, China and France held the fifth High-Level Economic and Financial Dialogue in Beijing that yielded positive results.
The two sides agreed to align the Made in China 2025 strategy with France’s Industry of the Future strategy, so as to strengthen innovative high-end manufacturing cooperation.