Q&A

From discussing how to turn a resources-consuming economy into a green one, from poetry to politics, former French prime minister Dominique de Villepin shares with China Daily reporter Wu Jiao his thoughts on how to make the world a better place. Here is an excerpt of the interview.

Q: What's the major focus you want to address in your keynote speech on the Emerging Industry Forum as the global chairman of the Asia-Pacific CEO Association?

A. I want to emphasize the importance of trying to change our view. In the coming years we have an important challenge, which is the necessity to go from a competition economy to a cooperation economy The second challenge is how to go from an economy which is using a lot of resources to an economy which (can) create a different perspective, a green economy based on new energy, with solar (and) civilian nuclear energy - and clean coal. (China is) using a lot of coal for electricity, if you are going use clean coal, then it's going to be a major change for your country. So I do believe that we have the solutions we just need to find the best way to cooperate together.

Q: Catherine Ashton has flown to China on Monday to coordinate with China on global issues. What are these issues?

A: I believe we have a lot to work for the next years. And we have to prepare for the G20 summit to get coordinated and avoid controversies. I believe the most important thing is to find some new way to regulate the world (financial system) to avoid a new crisis. We still need some new steps in order to clean up the (current) financial situation, and have a banking system that is more secure. Also we have to take steps to avoid speculation wrongdoings in the world economy this is also going to be on the agenda.

Q: The concept behind the G2 is felt by many to mean that the US and China rule the world. What's your comment on this?

A: I (don't) believe this is the solution for the world economy. I don't believe China or the US can concentrate on (everything). If we want to lead the world community we need to integrate and work together with different economies - with Africa, the US, Europe. This concept of the G2 is not in the minds of either Chinese or US leaders. We should adjust and advocate the best solutions through the G20.

(Moreover) we need to reject the G2 model. There are fears that the two economies leading world economy could create frustration and inequality.

It is more of something that is feared today rather than wished by anybody if we want a solution then we need a goal that different economies may be able to cooperate together.

Q: What does the chairmanship of G20 means for France?

A: The G20 has a lot of work to do in the coming years, and the chairmanship by France at the end of this year is important - and that's why we should try to take important initiatives in order to understand the world need more governance, the global governance in the different fields of environment or whether we are talking about the financial system or whether we are talking about the global economy.

We need more global governance in order to adjust the situation in different zones like Asia, Europe and the US. We see the economic slowdown of the US, and we are worried to see this may also develop in our own countries - and that's why we need to take some common steps to take into account these difficulties.

Q: Will you be a candidate for the next French presidential election?

A: We are going to see. It's too early. My party will certainly play a very important role. And I will put all my forces into this presidential election. We have a view of France, which is more balanced, sometimes.