China and France should make more efforts to push forward the development and cooperation of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the two countries, said Chinese Vice Premier Zeng Peiyan in Guangzhou Monday.

French SMEs are innovative and technology-intensive while their Chinese counterparts grow fast with a flexible mechanism. Their complimentary advantages will pave the way for cooperation and development, said Zeng at the Sino-France Small and Medium Enterprise Fair that opened here Monday.

The fair, co-hosted by the State Development and Reform Commission and the French Ministry of Economy, Finance and Industry, attracted over 3,500 SMEs to participate in and exhibit their goods. Of the total, 160 companies come from France.

The goods on display at the fair include clothing, home electronic appliances, food and drink, machinery and chinaware.

Chinese SMEs have played an increasingly important role in the national economy in the past years. By the end of last year, China had over 3.6 million SMEs. The value they created accounted for 58.5 percent of the country's GDP. Chinese SMEs hold two thirds of the country's patents and provide 75 percent of the urban job opportunities.

Source: Xinhua