Quality key for economic development: Ying Yong

Shanghai aims to further promote high-quality economic development in 2019, Shanghai Mayor Ying Yong said during the meeting of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference Shanghai Committee.

The city’s mayor said that Shanghai's economic and social development remained steady in the year of 2018, with better economic structure, improved economic effectiveness, plus coordinated and sustainable high-quality development. Ying also noted that more efforts should be made to keep economic development healthy and stable this year.

Shanghai’s GDP grew steadily in 2018 by expanding 6.6 percent from a year earlier to 3.27 trillion yuan (US$480 billion). The city aims to expand its GDP between 6 and 6.5 percent this year.

“Efforts should be made to improve urban economic density and input-output efficiency, and enhance the ability to allocate global resources and innovation strategies," Ying said. "Shanghai will further enhance the vitality of micro entities, reduce burdens of market entities and improve the business environment."

Members of the CPPCC Shanghai Committee provided their suggestions during the meeting of the CPPCC Shanghai Committee held in Shanghai this morning. The topics discussed cover a number of areas including talent gathering, research and innovation, science and technology and other areas to further boost high-quality economic development.

The city’s political advisers said it is important to improve the city’s competitiveness by gathering and cultivating talent. Members suggested setting up a platform for to do so, including enhancing talent cooperation with other cities in the world, introducing overseas talent here, and other measures.

Xu Dazhen, vice president of Shanghai Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese, said that Shanghai’s economic development provides huge opportunities for overseas Chinese returning home to participate in national strategies and the city’s development. Xu suggested that a one-stop government service platform could also provide services for overseas talent.

“Currently, the major focus of overseas talent such as investment and entrepreneurship, intellectual property protection, entry and exit, resettlement and social security belong to various departments of the government," Xu said. "We expect an integrated system for overseas talent and efficiency will be improved."

Tang Ningyu, deputy dean of the Antai College of Economics and Management of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, suggested Shanghai create a better environment to attract more foreign professionals to work and live here.

Tang suggested the city provide policy support to overseas talent in areas including personal income tax, housing and children’s education, as well as building a more open, inclusive and international environment to attract and retain them.

Other topics, including the establishment of the science and technology innovation board, the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone and integrated development of the Yangtze River Delta region, were also discussed at the meeting held in Shanghai on Monday.