Time of establishment of friendly relations: May 2000

Overview:

The Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, referred to as "PACA", is located in the southeastern part of France, covering an area of 31,400 square kilometers with a population of nearly 5 million. Its economic output accounts for about 7 percent of France's total GDP. It encompasses six departments: Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, Hautes-Alpes, Vaucluse, Bouches-du-Rhône, Var, and Alpes-Maritimes.

The industrial heart of the region is in the capital, Marseille (the second most-populous city in France), as well as in Toulon and Nice (the country's fifth most-populous city). These areas are hubs for a variety of key industries, including microelectronics, telecommunications, energy, optics, aerospace, petrochemicals, marine technology, logistics, biohealth, environmental science, perfumery and cosmetics, and the food industry.

The region boasts an exceptional geographical setting, favorable climate conditions, a long history, and a thriving cultural tourism sector. It is home to illustrious coastal cities like Nice, Cannes, and Saint-Tropez, as well as historic towns known for their unique characteristics. Marseille is the principal port of France and the largest in the Mediterranean, ranking as the world's third-largest port for oil transport. It is also  second-busiest cargo airport and the fourth in terms of passenger traffic in France. Nice airport is the second-largest in France in terms of passenger volume.

Relations with Guangdong:

In the two decades since the establishment of friendly relations, Guangdong and the PACA region have engaged in practical cooperation and a variety of colorful exchange activities in the fields of trade and investment, cultural tourism and education. In November 2020, leaders from both regions held a video meeting, signed a memorandum on further deepening friendly exchanges and cooperative relations, and celebrated the 20th anniversary of their friendship. Guangdong, along with its French sister cities and cities engaged in friendly exchanges, actively collaborated in combating the COVID-19 pandemic. This joint response to the crisis has not only been effective in managing the health emergency but has also served to strengthen the bonds of friendship between the people of these regions.

Other friendship cities:

Guangzhou–Lyon; Shenzhen–Vienne Department; Foshan–La Possession, Chaozhou–13th arrondissement of Paris.