The Spanish director of a French company in Shanghai has granted a “green card” in recognition of his contribution to his adopted country, reports Zhong Nan.

Javier Gimeno, 57, a Spanish citizen working for a French company in Shanghai, did not expect China to grant him and his family permanent residence, the equivalent of a “green card” , Last year.

The privilege, he said, came remarkably quickly since Gimeno, who is the group’s senior vice president and general manager of Asia-Pacific operations at Saint-Gobain SA, a French industrial conglomerate, his wife and their two children have moved from Paris. in Shanghai just over a decade ago. The Shanghai municipal government has recognized its added value to the local economy.

Holders of permanent residence in China enjoy a range of amenities unlike other expatriates who must use their passport to travel within the country and periodically renew their visa.

Life in China is much easier with a PR card, he says. Whether it’s buying a short-term high-speed train ticket or catching a last-minute flight to visit his employer’s factories and customers or check-in at hotels, Gimeno uses the card instead of his. passport.

China has made notable progress over the past 11 years. It is a country much more open today than it was ten years ago, a country where business life is dynamic, fair and easy, he says.

Gimeno was president of the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in China from 2015 to 2019.

“The government’s effective collaboration with the business community has created a fairly favorable and fruitful environment,” Gimeno said.

“I was amazed by the speed and depth with which the country has been able to transform its economic model in recent years, with an increasing weight of technology, innovation, creativity, research and development.

“We have seen a huge qualitative leap for China in the global value chain, from pure manufacturer to creator, designer and innovator. “

He says all of this has been accompanied by a shift towards a sustainable, green and digital society.

Paris-based Saint-Gobain plans to open at least 10 factories during the period of China’s 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25), including one in Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, to increase its production capacity in China and meet the growing demand for plaster. panels and other building materials.

In September, Gimeno received the Shanghai Magnolia Gold Award, awarded by the municipal government to recognize expatriates who have made an outstanding contribution to the social and economic development of the city.

Laureates and their families have the right to apply for permanent residence, which is one of the benefits and privileges granted by the Shanghai government.

“This award has brought relevant practical benefits to my life and that of my family in the form of a permanent resident permit,” said Gimeno.

“Very factually, when it comes to living in China and traveling abroad, we are treated as if we are Chinese citizens, which is certainly a privilege.”

The world is going through a period affected by factors such as the pandemic and the trade policies of some countries, and global trade has been blocked by the protective measures of some countries, many economies have suffered or faced human rights. High customs or trade measures in the process, he said. .

However, Gimeno takes a long-term perspective.

He understands that the general trend remains largely unchanged by temporary measures. “He will not have the capacity to stop the course of things,” assures Gimeno.

Having entered China in 1985, Saint-Gobain manages a large-scale research and development center and more than 40 manufacturing plants, with more than 8,000 employees, across the country.

While China has been successful in mitigating the impact of the pandemic, Gimeno said the country will remain a competitive supply chain choice for Saint-Gobain.

“After the dramatic fall caused by the contagion during the months of February and March in 2020, our company returned to the level of activity of 2019 from April in China”, specifies Gimeno.

“We experienced a significant and gradual acceleration in demand on the Chinese market over the summer (last year). The company has seen double-digit growth since September. We hope that this trend will continue this year.

For Saint-Gobain, the most relevant part of China’s 14th Five-Year Plan is the commitment to research and development, technology, innovation and sustainability. All of these are the pillars of this country’s new economic model, he said.

Gimeno’s opinion is shared by Kamran Vossoughi, chairman and CEO of Michelin China, a French mobility company based in Shanghai, who says many global business leaders have discovered that China is opening its doors more widely to welcome foreign investments.

“Over the years, opening initiatives have been constantly updated and improved. The new negative lists in China’s pilot free trade zones are proof of this,” Vossoughi said.

“China’s openness and welcoming attitude make it easier and more confident for foreign companies to come and invest. This will allow businesses, China and the world to achieve a win-win situation.

Rajat Agarwal, chairman of Henkel China, a German manufacturer of industrial and consumer goods, said China is leading the global economic recovery after COVID-19, the country’s mega market, an enhanced business environment and the status of largest trading partner of more than 120 countries and regions will continue to generate big dividends for global companies in the long run.

Gimeno says he enjoys green tea, the outdoors, and spending time with his family. He visits museums and art galleries to learn about Chinese history and literature, and tries not to miss matches with Real Madrid, the Spanish football club, in his spare time.

He participated in the Shanghai Marathons and visited the provinces of Sichuan, Yunnan, Henan and Anhui. His favorite Chinese dishes come from Sichuan, Guangdong and Shanghai.

Javier Gimeno (center) and his colleagues check the products in one of the Saint-Gobain SA laboratories in Shanghai in 2019. CHINA DAILY

Gimeno and his family celebrate Chinese New Year at their Shanghai home in February. CHINA DAILY