Shanghai mayor meets board chairmen of AXA and Air Liquide

Shanghai Mayor Ying Yong met Denis Duverne, chairman of the board of AXA, a French multinational firm, and Benoit Potier, chairman and CEO of Air Liquide S.A. on Thursday.

Ying said Shanghai is China’s forerunner of opening-up and reforms. It is accelerating the process of building itself into an international center of economy, finance, trade, shipping, and a technology and innovation center. It’s determined to promote economic globalization and investment and trade liberalization.

The city introduced 100 measures not long ago to promote a new round of opening-up. This November, the city will host the first China International Import Expo, which is a concrete step of the country to further open up its markets to the outside world.

AXA and Air Liquide have participated in and witnessed the city’s opening-up and reforms. The city hopes the two can keep exerting their advantages and strengthen their exchange and cooperation with local companies and scientific and research institutions, and continue to support the city’s social and economic development.

The city will keep creating law-abiding, international, efficient, and fair business environment and quality services for companies operating in the city. Shanghai welcomes the world’s top companies to invest and branch into the city, Ying added.

Duverne and Potier said they appreciate Shanghai’s efforts to further open up and accelerate the process of building itself into an international financial center. China’s markets have large potentials and the two companies will keep exerting their advantages and cultivating the Chinese markets, and increasing their investment in the country as well as supporting the city’s social and economic development.