Shanghai Mayor Yang Xiong yesterday met Sergio P. Ermotti, chief executive officer of UBS AG, a Swiss banking group based in Zurich. Yang thanked the UBS for its contribution to Shanghai’s transformation into an international financial center and said the city is also working hard to develop the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone. He added that financial reform is a key to the development of the free trade zone and to investment promotion. The Shanghai government is keen to hear advices from the world’s leading companies. Yang hoped the Swiss banking group can expand cooperation with local companies using its expertise in finance, securities and investment and grow with Shanghai’s rise as an international financial center. Ermotti introduced the group’s businesses in China and in Shanghai. He also thanked Shanghai for giving support to the UBS.