(Yicai Global) Nov. 2 -- The first China International Import Expo, which begins next week, will bring a host of opportunities to small- and medium-sized enterprises in the French region of Corsica, Bertrand Mulot, who represents the Regional Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Corsica, told Yicai Global in an interview.

Below is a transcript of the discussion.

Yicai Global: The Regional Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Corsica will lead local enterprises to participate in the China International Import Expo, how big are these companies, what sectors are they from and what products do they sell?

Bertrand Mulot: Considering the huge scale of Chinese market, the Regional Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Corsica gathered a broad of selection of local firms to participate in the China International Import Expo, and enterprises with a large production volume or ranking among the top three in the local industry have been chosen.

About 30 companies will take part in the CIIE, all of which are well-known firms that make beer, red wine and other products. Corsica is located at the center of the Mediterranean Sea. Its sunshine and soil give different qualities to products such as wine and poultry, so Corsican manufacturers pursue high quality rather than looking to grow large scale.

YG: Are these companies already active in China? How do you view the CIIE?

BM: Local SMEs have never entered China, and China lacks Corsican products too. These enterprises' participation in the CIIE is a precious opportunity to publicize their niche products to Chinese consumers. CIIE is a large platform, and CCIC is like a small platform, integration of the two platforms can transfer China's friendliness to SMEs.

The companies hope to bring their life philosophy of valuing natural products to Chinese consumers through the CIIE, and the enterprises themselves can get a feel for the Chinese market. We even gave local SMEs some funds to support their development.

As so many local SMEs registered for the event, we've already applied to the organizing committee for booth reservations next year.

YG: What does CCIC expect in terms of transactions at this year's CIIE?

BM: Apart from Corsica, we will gather countries in North Africa, such as Morocco, Tunisia, and Algeria, to integrate the north and south shores of the Mediterranean Sea, giving local enterprises more opportunities to understand China.

CCIC's selection of local SMEs will form a standard of their entry into China, so they will compete as a united and collective group instead of a single company.

YG: It is the first time for Corsican food to be exported to China? How will the CCIC control costs?

BM: As transport costs are decreasing, logistics should not make up a large portion of outgoings. Many scheduled trains starting from Chinese cities now arrive in Europe, and train transportation has become the third choice after air and sea. Trains [three weeks] are faster than ships [45 days], but the cost is slightly higher. The China Railway Express has been chosen by many European cities for exporting products to China.

We will choose different modes of transportation depending on the shelf life of the products. For example, alcohol has a long shelf life, so it can be shipped without a problem. 

YG: There are now some large European companies exporting meat, fruits and vegetables to China. As a coordinator of SMEs, how do you view competition from European counterparts?

BM: CCIC found through research that the Chinese market is gradually becoming mature and is in line with Europe. Consumers with higher levels of disposable income have individualized demand for different products, and Corsican products will suit them. We believe that Corsica can find its consumers in the huge Chinese market.

Editor: James Boynton