Three tasks central to advisers' proposals

Lingang should be made an ideal place to live, in addition to a special economic zone, Shanghai’s political advisers said during a panel discussion on the sidelines of the city’s ongoing Two Sessions.

Chen Yongliang, a standing member of the Shanghai Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, suggested Lingang, while being highlighted as a special economic zone, should also be built into an area suitable for living.

“Lingang should be an ideal place to live, especially for young people," said Ding Zuyu, a political adviser and chief executive of E-House, a real estate industry platform.

Ding said there are only six Starbucks and six cinemas in Lingang, less than 20 primary schools and kindergartens, and insufficient hospitals. Also, planned public rental housing falls far short of the need.

“First of all, Lingang should build more schools and hospitals,” Ding said.

Mayor Ying Yong, who joined the panel discussion on Friday, agreed. Ying said Lingang would be a modern city, with blue sky, clear water and a special economic area.

Proposals put forward by the political advisers have centered on the three major tasks for Shanghai spelled out by President Xi Jinping.

The three new major tasks are the construction of Lingang Special Area of China (Shanghai) Free Trade Zone, the integrated development of Yangtze River Delta region and the construction of the STAR Market.

Ying said the tasks are a strategic deployment by the CPC Central Committee and Shanghai should make the best use of the opportunity.

Among the three tasks, Lingang Special Area drew most attention.

As for the integrated development of the Yangtze River Delta region, Ying said the formation of the demonstration area had a breakthrough.

For the STAR board, Ying said Shanghai would explore integrated development of real economy, scientific research and modern finance, continuing to supporting a financial system that helped development of scientific enterprises.