Sept 2 – Shanghai Mayor Gong Zheng met with Sophie Bellon, chairwoman and CEO of French food services and facilities management company Sodexo.

Gong encouraged Sodexo to expand its headquarters functions, quality resources, and business segments in Shanghai, while continuing to drive innovation in the local catering industry and contributing to the city's growth as a global consumption hub.

Bellon voiced confidence in China's economic outlook and business environment. She affirmed the company's willingness to deepen cooperation with Shanghai, enhance the well-being of Chinese consumers, and advance social responsibility initiatives and the green, low-carbon transition.

Sept 5 – Shanghai Mayor Gong Zheng met with President of the Republic of the Congo Denis Sassou Nguesso.

Gong expressed hope for stronger collaboration in the economy, trade, industry, and science and technology through the high-quality development of the Belt and Road Initiative. He encouraged Congolese companies to showcase their unique products at the China International Import Expo.

On his 18th visit to China, Nguesso recalled that his first trip more than six decades ago began in Shanghai.

He lauded the city's remarkable growth and global contribution, noting that the elevation of bilateral ties to a high-level community with a shared future between China and the Republic of the Congo will create new momentum for economic and trade cooperation with Shanghai.