Political advisers in Shenzhen had a face-to-face meeting with leaders from 30 government bodies Tuesday.

It was the city's first of its kind involving most government officials answering questions from the CPPCC members, who wasted no time bringing citizens' concerns to officials.

Yao Xiaoping, a CPPCC member from Nanshan District, said she came to file a complaint from citizens living near a culture square in Bao'an District.

The complaint said the square had been rented to some companies involved in show business since last October and from then on, the square was occupied by commercial shows or performances every evening, disturbing residents living nearby with excessive noise.

"I won't write this in my proposal but want to let them know about this and pay attention to it," she said.

Yao said the face-to-face meeting built a bridge between the CPPCC members and the government. "It offers an opportunity for us to know policies of different government departments," she said.

"This activity was very significant," said Zhu Keheng, who works in the education sector and has been a CPPCC member for two sessions. "Some questions and problems can be directly delivered to the government departments concerned and find solutions."

A training course was also given to new CPPCC members Tuesday, offering the basic knowledge about the CPPCC and its system, as well as what makes a good CPPCC member and how to write proposals.

The municipal CPPCC committee has an office term of five years. The first session of the fourth CPPCC municipal committee, to be convened from Thursday to Monday, will elect its chairman, vice chairman, secretary general and standing committee.

The CPPCC meeting's agenda includes two themed discussions on building a harmonious city and developing the city's cultural industry. Netizens can submit their opinion through the Web site www.szzx.gov.cn..

The first session of the municipal people's congress will be held from Saturday to June 2.

(Shenzhen Daily May 25, 2005)