(Yicai Global) Jan. 11 -- China United Network Communications Ltd., better known as China Unicom, one of the three major telecom operators in China, is to team up with two French companies to build a demonstrative intelligent pension community in Chengdu, capital of the southwestern Sichuan province, in a deal worth EUR300 million (USD358 million).

The agreement is part of a series of cooperation projects signed during French president Emmanuel Macron's first state visit to China early this week. Sigfox, a French company engaging in Internet of Things will offer IOT technology support for the project, while KRG, a French intelligent pension company, will be responsible for the pension solution. China Unicom will provide communication technology support, said state-owned China News Service yesterday.

KRG has developed a remote monitoring system, using Sigfox's IOT technologies, which enables real-time monitoring for emergency and accidents such as fall, illness and unexpected behaviors of the elderly people, said a senior executive of the company. In contrast to traditional elderly-oriented monitoring systems, this technology doesn't require installing a camera in the room or for a patient to wear a wristband. It offers 24-hour monitoring and protection only through a sensor.

Chengdu has been actively exploring service systems for the disabled elderly people in recent years.  The city has established specific information management platforms, whose databases cover 10 different service groups including the disabled elderly and those demanding medical care and pension, China News Service said.