Premier Li Keqiang visited the CMA CGM Group at Marseilles, France on July 1.[Photo/Xinhua]

Premier Li Keqiang visited Arles in southeastern France on June 1, a city known as the “Little Rome of Gaul” for its exceptional Roman heritage. [Photo/Xinhua]

During his visit to Marseilles, Premier Li talked to people from various fields such as enterprises, culture, education, sport and media in the city. [Photo/Xinhua]

Premier Li Keqiang visited Marseilles in France accompanied by French Foreign Affairs Minister Laurent Fabius on July 1.

The Premier visited the CMA CGM Group, a worldwide shipping company that buys ships and containers from China and collaborates with Chinese companies on services such as shipping and maintenance.

Premier Li said that China is one of the biggest makers of vessels and containers and can provide equipment at good value to meet the needs of overseas shipping companies such as the CMA CGM Group. The Premier expressed the hope that enterprises from the two countries deepen collaboration and make further innovations.

The Mediterranean port city of Marseilles and areas around it have a reputation for a well-developed innovation industry, creativity and entrepreneurship. The Premier talked to people from various fields such as enterprises, culture, education, sport and media in the city. He said French entrepreneurs should fully utilize their advantages to collaborate with China, and achieve more in innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship.

The Premier also went to Arles -- a city in southeastern France -- and had in-depth discussions on the preservation of cultural heritage. He said that China is willing to strengthen regional communication and cooperation with France, and deepen people-to-people exchanges.