Shanghai Mayor Han Zheng has led a 260-member delegation to Taiwan for a four day visit to promote the upcoming World Expo. Several memorandums of understanding were signed during the Shanghai-Taipei City Forum.

 

The Shanghai-Taipei City Forum was initiated in 2000, so this year marks the event's 10th anniversary. Shanghai's mayor, Han Zheng, hopes his visit can help residents from both sides boost communication and cultural exchanges. His Taipei counterpart, Hau Lung-Bin, also hopes the gathering will allow the two metropolises to share their experience, and increase cooperation.

Hau Lung-Bin, Taipei Mayor, said, "The two cities are seizing a historical opportunity to cooperate together. In the future, the partnership between the two sides will be further intensified, and expanded in more areas."

Han also says the Bank of Communications, a global partner of the 2010 World Expo, will soon allow transactions to be conducted in New Taiwan Dollars. The financial institution's branches in Shanghai will begin exchange services between the island's currency unit, and the Reminbi, over the next few weeks.

In terms of cultural exchanges, Han adds that his city is actively pushing for the establishment of a regular direct flight schedule between Shanghai's Hongqiao Airport, and Taipei's Song Shan Airport.

Han Zheng, Shanghai Mayor, said, "I believe that strengthening cooperation between Shanghai and Taipei will definitely benefit both cities."

The Mayor also says that Shanghai will actively participate in the 2010 International Flora Expo, which will be held in Taipei in November. This week's City Forum was highlighted by the signing of several memorandums of understanding dealing with cultural, tourism, environmental protection, and high tech concerns involving the two metropolitan areas.