IN his meeting with French Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Development Jean-Marc Ayrault on Tuesday, Shanghai Mayor Yang Xiong said the two countries have enjoyed friendly relationship for a long time and good cooperation in many fields.

He said Shanghai is the sister city of Marseilles and Rhone-Alpes Region. Many French companies participated in Shanghai’s development after the city adopted the reform and opening policies.

After three years of development, the Shanghai Pilot Free Trade Zone has made great achievements in investment, foreign trade and financial reform, creating opportunities for companies around the world, including France, Yang said, pledging that Shanghai will further open up and create good business environment in line with international rules and practices.