Xu Kuangdi, mayor of Shanghai, metWednesday in Shanghai with Deputy Secretary of Commerce of the United States Samuel W. Bodman, who is attending meetings of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC).
The mayor informed the US official of what Shanghai has done for APEC meetings and China's upcoming entry into the World Trade Organization (WTO).
The city has revised more than 60 local laws and regulations that are incompatible to WTO rules and they are expected to be promulgated soon, the mayor said. Shanghai is working to create a legally sound environment for market economy and encourage Chinese and overseas investors to compete on an equal footing.
The US deputy secretary praised Shanghai for its preparations for APEC meetings and congratulated China on its upcoming WTO entry which, he said, is important for the economic development of China and the world. The United States is willing to take this opportunity to strengthen trade and economic ties with China, he said.
(Xinhua News Agency 10/17/2001)
