Shanghai Party chief meets former French President Francois Hollande

Shanghai Party Secretary Li Qiang met Francois Hollande, former president of France, and his delegation last Saturday.

Li welcomed his guests and said Hollande played an important role in advancing the Sino-France relations during his presidency. The top leaders of China and France have made frequent visits to each other’s country in recent years, which has enhanced the two country’s strategic partnership.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of China’s opening-up and reforms and as the country’s economic center, Shanghai will keep opening up to the outside world. Also, the city welcomes France and other countries to participate in the upcoming China International Import Expo in November to share business opportunities.

The city has frequent exchanges with France and has established twin city ties with Marseille and Auvergne-Rhne-Alpes region, enjoying extensive cooperation in various industries with the two, Li said.

Shanghai hopes to deepen the cooperation in trade, technologies, environmental protection, fashion design industry with France, and to promote the exchanges among the two country’s youths.

Hollande said China and Shanghai’s achievements have been impressive during the 40-year opening-up and reforms. He is willing to encourage more French companies to branch into China and increase their investments in the country, and also to carry out cooperation in various industries with Shanghai.

Hollande also offered advice on building Shanghai into an international financial center.

Zhuge Yujie, secretary-general of the CPC Shanghai Committee, also attended the meeting.