IN his meeting with visiting Italian President Sergio Mattarella last week, Shanghai Mayor Ying Yong said the two countries enjoy frequent exchange of visits by their leaders, growing economic and trade ties, and active cultural exchanges.

He said Shanghai is the economic center of China and the gateway to China and the world. It will continue to play an important role in promoting Sino-Italian cooperation in all fields.

The mayor said Shanghai is working towards its goal of becoming an international center of economy, finance, trade and shipping by 2020 and a leading city in the world by 2040 in terms of innovation, culture and environment.