SHANGHAI Mayor Yang Xiong met Hans-Dietmar Schweisgut, EU ambassador to China, last Thursday. He said Shanghai and the European Union enjoy long-term friendship and strong economic ties. Twenty-four EU countries have consulates in Shanghai while Shanghai has 18 sister cities in the EU.

Yang told the guest that the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone has operated for more than a year and has achieved positive results. The zone will be expanded this year according to the plan of the central government and it will adopt a new negative list for foreign investment.

The mayor said he will listen to suggestions by European businesses and companies from around the world to create a business environment that complies with international rules and market practices.