Shanghai would step up efforts to create a sound environment for domestic and overseas enterprises that contribute to the city's building of an international shipping center, Mayor Han Zheng said yesterday.

He made the remarks when meeting a delegation led by Koji Miyahara, president of Tokyo-based Nippon Yusen Kaisha Line Ltd, a leading shipping company.

Han said Shanghai would center on the logistics industry to build itself into an international shipping center.

He expressed hope that the company, already involved in the Yangshan Deep-Water Port project, would further develop its business in Shanghai.

In response, Koji Miyahara said the company looks forward to playing an even bigger role in the city's building of an international shipping center and furthering its cooperation with Shanghai.