They are: development of a modern service sector; attracting elite professionals; reform of state-owned enterprises; development of high-tech industries; and housing problems.

Yu told the 800-plus members of Shanghai Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference that he would try to solve the five problems gradually and substantially over the next few years.

"The Communist Party of China is always upholding the principle of 'long-term coexistence, mutual supervision, sincere treatment with each other and sharing weal and woe with other democratic parties,' so I would like to share things that linger in my mind with you," Yu said.

"You are welcome to make comments and air your true opinions on Shanghai's development," he told the audience consisting of other democratic party members and people from social organizations.

Yu's top concern was how to modernize the city's service sector, including finance, shipping and information technology.

He said this would require the combined efforts of different government departments.

Yu said his recent meeting with Jack Ma, founder of the Nasdaq-listed Alibaba.com, provoked his thoughts about the city's current service sector.

"Ma said he intended to set up the company from scratch in Shanghai, but it finally turned up in Hangzhou," Yu said. "Doesn't that mean Shanghai, more or less, has some problems?"

Yu also said hurdles that hampered elite migrant professionals from flowing into Shanghai should be overcome.

He said the city should continue to push forward reforms of the state-owned enterprise system, and look at ways of improving locals' living standards.
Source: By Government of China