SHANGHAI Party Secretary Han Zheng met former Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chrétien on Monday. He briefed the guest on the city's economic and social development and spoke highly of Chrétien’s contribution to bilateral relations when he was in office.

Han said Shanghai has close economic and cultural ties with several cities in Canada and is the sister city of Montreal. Shanghai is now pushing for more reforms and opening under the guidance of the central government.

He said he believed Chrétien's visit will further promote the cooperation between the two countries and between Shanghai and Canadian cities.