Shanghai Mayor Han Zheng yesterday met Serge Abou, European Union Ambassador to China, and an EU Chamber of Commerce in China delegation, promising a better investment environment in the city.

Han said that Shanghai has close and long-term cooperation with lots of enterprises from EU members in the petrochemical industry, steel making, equipment manufacturing, biomedicine, microelectronics, harbor transport and financial services.

Several European banks such as Credit Agricole Indosuez, France-based Credit Agricole SA and Holland-based ABN AMRO have set up subsidiaries in Shanghai since last year.

Han said that Shanghai has witnessed fast growth in imports and exports with the European Union in recent years. Chinese enterprises expect to import more high-tech products from EU nations.

Han also said that the city government would make more forceful moves to crack down on piracy.

Han asked Abou to encourage EU members to participate in World Expo 2010 and present excellent pavilions.

Abou hoped Shanghai would play a greater role in promoting exchanges between China and Europe.