Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao has urged Shanghai to play a leading role in supporting the country's new development strategies, including the western development strategy, and reinvigorating the old industrial bases in northeast China.

In doing this, Shanghai municipality should accelerate moves to become an international economic, banking, trade and shipping center, Wen said during an inspection tour from Aug. 29 to 31.

He expressed his satisfaction with Shanghai's rapid progress in economic and social development and affirmed support for Pudong New District at a symposium on Friday evening. 

Shanghai metropolis and other neighboring eastern developed regions should accelerate economic development so as to provide more technical and financial support to poorer western regions and traditional industrial bases in northeastern China, Wen said.

Meanwhile, he noted, Shanghai should play a leading role in implementing the reform and opening policies and stepping up modernization.

He also suggested Shanghai upgrade its industrial structure, seize development opportunities to open wider, promote sustainable social and economic development and encourage more Chinese students studying abroad to return and start businesses in Shanghai and develop their talent to the full.

During his inspection tour of Shanghai, Premier Wen visited the Songjiang New Urban District, Pudong New District, Shanghai GM Company Ltd., Shanghai Huahong-NEC Electronics Co. Ltd, and Shanghai Baogang Steel Group Company.

He also visited the memorial hall in honor of the First National Congress of the Communist Party of China and had talks with industrial workers, university students and local residents.

(Xinhua News Agency September 1, 2003)