Shanghai and Hong Kong Plot Cooperative Plan

Two of China's leading economic centers are planning to work together more cooperatively in the future to advance each other's economic development.

According to the leaders of the two metro areas, the cooperation between the two cities covers many areas including airport and port construction and management, logistics, Shanghai World Exposition, tourism, exhibitions, investment, trade, education, health care, sports, financial services and exchange of talents.

In the field of airport and port cooperation, Hong Kong investors are invited to take part in the construction and management of Shanghai's airport and sea port. Hong Kong companies are allowed to participate in Shanghai's international shipping management and container business.

Shanghai will be the host city of the 2010 World Exposition. Hong Kong companies are encouraged to take part in the planning, construction and management of the sites and venues of the World Exposition. Hong Kong's financial institutions are also allowed to participate in the financial services of the World Exposition.

In the area of tourism and exhibition cooperation, Shanghai and Hong Kong will establish channels of communication. Meetings between officials of the two cities will be held regularly to strengthen the popularization and promotion in this field. Drawing the support of Hong Kong, Shanghai will further explore the market of international travel.

The two sides have also agreed to enlarge the room of investment and trade cooperation. Shanghai supports Hong Kong investors to establish retail companies in Shanghai either in the form of solely owned enterprises or joint ventures.

Shanghai will also lift the access restriction for Hong Kong companies in the field of wholesale market. World first-class brands which have already had business operation in Hong Kong are encouraged to enter Shanghai.

In the field of education, universities of the two cities will strengthen exchange of students and cooperation of education and scientific research. A batch of Hong Kong teachers will be introduced to Shanghai to promote bi-lingual education in the middle and primary schools.

The two cities will also strengthen exchange of medical information and cooperation of infectious disease control.

In the area of financial cooperation, Shanghai will introduce financial talents from Hong Kong to the city. The financial institutions in Shanghai will give high-ranking posts to senior Hong Kong financial talents.

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