The recent convention between Montpellier and Shanghai, around the FISE World Series sporting event, turns out to be much more than a simple international competition. This is a real catalyst for strengthening economic relations between these two metropolises and promoting urban sports as economic and social levers. By crossing oceans, this event symbolizes an outstretched hand for varied economic partnerships, while energizing the urban sports scene. This article explores how FISE, despite its roots in Montpellier, is coming to Shanghai to open up new perspectives.
FISE: A world-renowned sporting event
Born in Montpellier in 1997, the International Festival of Extreme Sports (FISE) has become an unmissable event for fans of urban sports, such as BMX, skateboarding and freestyle scootering. This event brings together the best athletes from around the world every year on the banks of the Lez, attracting nearly 2,000 participants. With the expansion of its international reach, FISE is now exporting to Shanghai, a symbol of its global success and growing appeal in other parts of the world.
Shanghai: A flamboyant scene for urban sports
Shanghai, with its iconic skyline and economic dynamism, provides a perfect stage for FISE. By choosing the ultra-modern district of West Bund as host, the event fits perfectly into the urban fabric of the city, attracting a large audience eager to explore new sporting trends. This first Chinese edition of the FISE World Series not only attracts crowds but also the attention of political and economic decision-makers, such as the vice-mayor of the Xuhui District People’s Government.
Economic and cultural ambitions between Montpellier and Shanghai
Holding FISE in Shanghai is not limited to a simple sporting competition. It is part of a proactive policy of economic and cultural cooperation between Montpellier and Shanghai. Michaël Delafosse, mayor of Montpellier, accompanied by an official delegation, is committed to promoting exchanges around businesses and commercial opportunities. At the same time, discussions with Chinese officials aim to strengthen cultural and economic ties, marking a key stage in the history of Franco-Chinese relations on the occasion of 60 years of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two nations.
Virtuos: A symbol of economic collaboration
The visit of the mayor of Montpellier to the video game studio Virtuos in Shanghai highlights the importance of creative industries as vectors of cooperation. Created in 2004, Virtuos has established itself as a world leader in the production of video game content, with a large local branch in Montpellier. Exchanges between the delegations made it possible to highlight the importance of creative industries for the local economy, while promoting international cooperation in this booming sector.
The strategic role of institutions like the CCI France China
There Chamber of Commerce and Industry France China plays a vital role in supporting French companies established in China and their Chinese counterparts. With the presence of structures such as the Occitanie Region Office in its premises in Shanghai, the institution actively supports the regional economic fabric on an international scale. These networks make it possible to create commercial bridges and provide essential support to companies exploring the Chinese market.
Tourism and media opportunities
Michaël Delafosse sees FISE as a springboard to promote Occitanie, and more specifically Montpellier, as a tourist destination of choice. By capitalizing on the aftermath of the Paris Olympic Games and the opening of the direct line Marseille-Shanghai, it aims to stimulate wine and cultural tourism enriched by the regional film industry. The Chinese market, although limited for international productions, nevertheless remains attentive to large-scale events such as FISE, capable of redefining tourism standards.
Alexis and Felix Lebrun: Sports ambassadors
Montpellier table tennis players, Alexis and Felix Lebrun, have become iconic figures in international sport, captivating Chinese audiences with their performances. Their notoriety also helps to strengthen the image of Montpellier in China, drawing attention to major sporting diversions such as the FISE and international table tennis meetings. This visibility is crucial for building lasting links with the Middle Kingdom.
Conclusion: Promising prospects for the future
The organization of FISE in Shanghai embodies a new era of cooperation between Montpellier and Shanghai, a strategic alliance which could extend to other economic and cultural sectors. As cities explore more concrete opportunities for collaboration, FISE is establishing itself as a dynamic platform, ready to juggle the challenges of the future and propel urban sports onto the international stage.