Chen Jining (R), Party secretary of Shanghai, meets with Lawrence Summers, former US secretary of the treasury, in Shanghai on Monday, Jan 8, 2024. [Photo/WeChat ID: shanghaifabu]

Shanghai is steadfastly committed to expanding its high-level opening-up, said Chen Jining, secretary of Shanghai Municipal Committee of the Communist Party of China, during a meeting with former United States treasury secretary Lawrence Summers on Jan 8 afternoon.

Chen said the city would build platforms for international cooperation and enhance people-to-people exchanges, emphasizing the city’s commitment to making greater contributions to the development of China-US relations.

Citing Summers’ role as a renowned economist, Chen encouraged him to  build platforms and facilitate channels to deepen cultural exchanges and academic interactions between the two countries.

Chen also hoped that Summers will help promote exchanges and visits among the youths, enabling them to share insights, strengthen friendships, and collaboratively shape the future.

Summers affirmed his willingness to support practical cooperation in the field of economy and finance and facilitate communication and friendly visits between the peoples of the US and China.

He also highlighted the importance of cooperation between the two nations, noting that its significance far outweighs any existing differences.