PARIS, Oct. 19 (Xinhua) -- The 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) is an important event, not only for China but for the whole world, the leader of the French Communist Party (PCF) has said.

"We will be extremely attentive to the decisions of this congress," Pierre Laurent told Xinhua.

The key conference, which opened in Beijing Wednesday, will elect a new CPC Central Committee and CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, amend the CPC Constitution, and draw a blueprint for China's development in the next five years and beyond.

Laurent, PCF's national secretary, hoped the event would "amplify China's reforms" and offer inspiration to the world for opening a new path of development.

China has launched a series of measures in the past five years to build a harmonious society, Laurent noted. They include intensifying the fight against corruption, promoting the rule of law, and working to reduce inequalities.

The French politician is especially interested in the measures taken by China in the field of social development and the progress achieved as there can't be long-term world peace without addressing social problems, he said.

China's advocacy of multilateralism in the diplomatic arena is also impressive with its significant contributions to global peace and stability, Laurent said.

Particularly, the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative provides new opportunities for international cooperation, he said.

The Belt and Road Initiative, which was put forward by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2013, is aimed at promoting trade, financial integration, infrastructure connectivity and people-to-people exchanges along and beyond the ancient Silk Road trade routes linking Asia with Europe and Africa.

"I hope these opportunities will be seized by the French government to intensify mutually beneficial cooperation," Laurent said.

As regards Franco-Chinese cooperation, he said he believes the two countries will maintain close relationship, and the PCF and the CPC will learn from each other.