China

France Telecom has maintained a presence in China for over 20 years via its Representative office which supports its development efforts with Chinese telecommunication operators.  In October 2004, France Telecom signed a strategic partnership agreement with China Telecom. Discussions are on going in 2007 in an ever increasing favourable operational and regulatory environment with 3G mobile license attribution and the opening up of markets with China's WTO recent entry.  France Telecom is also present in China via its subsidiaries and specialised business units for corporate customers,  Orange Business Service, Globecast and Viaccess.  The set-up and development of Orange Labs in Beijing fully contributes to the long-term strategy of a global group presence in mainland China.