During his meeting with visiting Shanghai Mayor Han Zheng on April 6, Quebec Premier Jean Charest called for closer cooperation between the two cities in all fields.

"Shanghai has achieved significant progress in various sectors. In the past few years, Quebec has developed a great deal of cooperation with Shanghai in sectors such as the economy, culture, technology, environmental protection and sports," said Mr. Charest, who will visit Shanghai in September.

On the same day, Mayor Han met with his Montreal counterpart, Gerald Tremblay. Mr. Tremblay praised Shanghai for its rapid economic development and said Montreal should learn from Shanghai's advanced experience.

Shanghai and Montreal will celebrate their 20th anniversary as sister cities this year.