CMG appreciated for performance in broadcasting, reporting of Paris Olympics, Paralympics

Upon the closing of the Paris Paralympic Games, Laurent Fabius, president of the French Constitutional Council and Former French Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin congratulated China Media Group (CMG) on its comprehensive broadcast coverage of the Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Fabius and Raffarin sent letters and lauded CMG in its broadcasting and reporting of the two grand Games, stressing its significant contribution towards boosting cultural exchanges between France and China.

In letters to CMG President Shen Haixiong, Fabius and Raffarin emphasized that the Paris Olympics and Paralympic Games are not only sporting events, but also a moment to share and celebrate world diversity and civilization achievements.

They said that the events served as a window to showcase the history and culture of France, and it is great to see CMG playing an important part in the broadcast coverage.

Fabius and Raffarin also lauded the events held by CMG to celebrate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and France.

It is a great honor to participate in this year's cultural and people-to-people exchange activities organized by CMG in Paris to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between France and China, and these activities are conducive in enhancing the relations between the two countries and should be strongly encouraged and supported, Fabius said in the letter.

Cultural and people-to-people exchanges such as the French Film Week of the 14th Beijing International Film Festival and the celebrations on the 60th anniversary of China-France diplomatic ties have fully demonstrated the profound friendship between France and China, Raffarin said in his letter.

CMG's active contribution and foresight are crucial to the exchanges between the two countries, he said.

Noting that there are many valuable experiences that France and China can learn from each other, Raffarin said he hopes to further deepen the friendship and explore more possibilities for cooperation to enhance mutual understanding and further enrich cultural exchanges between the two nations.

CMG appreciated for performance in broadcasting, reporting of Paris Olympics, Paralympics

Beijing's consumer gold market has been running hot during the Mid-Autumn Festival holiday, despite recent rises in the gold price on international markets.

Last week, the main contract for gold futures on the New York Mercantile Exchange (COMEX) has risen to over 2,600 U.S. dollars per ounce.

At a gold shop in Beijing's Xicheng District, the price of pure gold jewelry went up to about 737 yuan (about 104 U.S. dollars) per gram, but many shoppers are still looking to buy gold jewelry especially during the Mid-Autumn Festival holiday and the end-of-summer wedding season.

"It is now more than 700 yuan (about 98.7 U.S. dollars) per gram, but when we were here about two months ago, it was only just above 600 yuan (about 84.6 U.S. dollars) per gram," said a customer.

"I'm getting married, so I came to have a look. Even if the price goes up, we still have to buy it," said another customer.

"I had nothing to do during the holidays, so I came here to take a look [at the gold jewelry]. I just bought a lucky charm bead and now I want to take a look at the bracelet," said another customer.

At the shop's gold investment counter, many consumers have been making inquiries about gold bars, which has long been considered a safe investment, although experts recommend caution in the rising gold market.

At the shop's gold investment counter, many consumers have been inquiring about gold bars, which have long been considered a safe investment. However, experts recommend caution in the rising gold market.

"Many investors will buy gold bars for medium- to long-term investment based on their expected price as part of their overall family asset allocation. We suggest that investors be more rational in their decisions," said Li Yang, a senior gold investment analyst.

Beijing consumer gold market remains hot despite rising prices