Claude Maillot, a Frenchman who came to Shanghai in 2008, is executive adviser to the president of Bureau Veritas' marine and offshore division. [Photo/WeChat account: xmwb1929]

"Shanghai is a charming city and it makes me feel at home," said Claude Maillot, a Frenchman who came to Shanghai in 2008, who is executive adviser to the president of the marine and offshore division of Bureau Veritas – the venerable Paris-based company specializing in industry testing, inspection and certification that was founded in 1828.

Maillot made his comments about the grand city and commercial and cultural powerhouse located in East China, in an interview for Shanghai Through Our Eyes, a video series featuring foreign expats discussing their impressions of the metropolis.

"For us, Shanghai is a unique choice, because it is the place where the biggest and most famous shipbuilding and design institutes are located," he said.

"I have a deep affection for Chinese culture, especially the poets of the Tang Dynasty (618-907), among whom I like Li Bai most and his poems are really the essence of Chinese culture," Maillot said.

From the interior décor of Maillot's house, you get the sense of an individual with a deep affinity with Chinese history and culture. Running through his house are strong elements of Chinese culture, with the rooms decorated with Chinese paintings and calligraphy and Spring Festival couplets.

A dark-red enameled pottery, a folding fan with Chinese characters and books about Chinese history, culture and architecture are to be seen.

Maillot is also a big fan of ancient Chinese architecture. He has bought many books on it and has been particularly attracted by its roofs, which use glazed tiles and employ sculptures and representations of creatures such as dragons and lions.

Maillot also learns Mandarin and Chinese characters, when he has time.

"Shanghai is full of vitality and innovation. It is an open and friendly city and an international commercial center," Maillot said.

"The city brings us so much convenience and its modern and comprehensive transport networks extend in all directions and the local government provides a lot of support and help to foreigners," he added.

Bureau Veritas has long historical ties to Shanghai. The company opened its representative office in the Bund in the late 19th century. With China's reforms and opening up, international trade has increased and the demand for ship inspections has grown accordingly. Against this background, Bureau Veritas returned to China in 1993 and it currently has more than 17,000 employees there.

"Shanghai houses the world's leading shipping enterprises," Maillot said. "Bureau Veritas will continue to expand its operations in Shanghai".

Over the past year, although the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on global trade and the ports business, Shanghai Port managed to buck the trend and achieved growth.

The Frenchman has confidence that the city's vitality will continue to endure.

He said that during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-25), Shanghai will strive to develop itself into an international shipping center and international financial center, which will help the city and China to become a leader in the global shipping industry.