Mayor of Shanghai Gong Zheng held talks with a Chinese General Chamber of Commerce delegation over the weekend, headed up by President Choi Koon-Shum, focused on Shanghai's economic and social development.

Shanghai and Hong Kong have enjoyed a long history of cooperation, and this year marks 20 years since the Shanghai-Hong Kong Cooperation Conference mechanism was established.

The city is striving to construct a modern international metropolis with global influence, in line with General Secretary Xi Jinping's strategic positioning of Shanghai's development, Shine News reports.

Plans are in place to further boost the relationship between Shanghai and Hong Kong, promote enterprise interaction and continue to work together to enhance the contribution to China's overall development.

Shanghai Mayor Gong Zheng commented: "We hope that the Hong Kong Chinese General Chamber of Commerce will become a rainbow bridge for Shanghai's enterprises to go global and a linkage bridge for Hong Kong's enterprises to invest and start businesses in Shanghai. We warmly welcome the Hong Kong Chinese General Chamber of Commerce and more Hong Kong enterprises to participate in the sixth China International Import Expo."

Shanghai is focused on continuing to create a world-class global business environment, permitting Hong Kong businesses to enjoy greater development in Shanghai.

President Choi said that the development of the two cities reflects the clear characteristics of "Shanghai with Hong Kong, Hong Kong with Shanghai" and the significance of complementary benefits and mutual learning.

Shine News report adds that the Hong Kong China General Chamber of Commerce is one of the largest chambers of commerce in Hong Kong and has played a significant role in promoting industrial and commercial cooperation between Shanghai and Hong Kong.