Shanghai, HK ink cooperation deals

Shanghai and Hong Kong have signed over a dozen additional deals to enhance cooperation during the visit of a delegation led by Shanghai Mayor Ying Yong to Hong Kong this week.

The two cities signed 15 cooperation agreements on economy, trade, education, culture, finance, legal arbitration and scientific innovation during the fourth meeting of the Hong Kong Shanghai Cooperation Conference.

"As an international metropolis and an important international financial, shipping and trade center, Hong Kong has many good experiences and practices for Shanghai to learn from," Ying said.

Ying noted Shanghai is willing to work with Hong Kong to carry out further cooperation in openness, finance, science and technology, service industry development and urban governance, especially with the opportunities of the Belt and Road Initiative and the construction of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area.

Shanghai is currently accelerating the construction of international economic, financial, trade, shipping, and scientific innovation centers, while striving to become an excellent global city with world influence, he added.

During his visit to Hong Kong between Wednesday and Friday, Ying has met with Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam as well as taken part in the Hong Kong Shanghai cooperation meeting and the annual economic development forum among youth from Shanghai, Hong Kong and Macau.

Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam said Hong Kong and Shanghai are both important windows for China's opening up to the outside world. The two cities are expected to continue their cooperation to make greater contributions to national development.

Ying and Lam encouraged youth from Shanghai, Hong Kong and Macau to take responsibility and become pioneers in innovation and entrepreneurship at the youth forum. The young participants were also asked to promote the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong and Macau, while promoting Shanghai's reform and opening-up.

During a meeting with Hong Kong enterprises, Ying said companies from across the world, including Hong Kong, are welcome to invest in Shanghai as the city has introduced 100 policies to attract overseas investment while optimizing its business environment.

The city mayor has also talked with HK-based Shanghai enterprises and institutes as well as visited the garbage treatment, senior services, community construction and public sports facilities in Hong Kong.

Shanghai and Hong Kong have a long history of close cooperation and exchange, especially after the implementation of the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA) between the mainland and Hong Kong in 2003. The two cities have carried out all-round cooperation in various fields and achieved fruitful results, according to the Shanghai government.