Chinese President Xi Jinping inspected an urban operational management center in Pudong New Area in Shanghai on Tuesday and called on efforts to improve the city's management and make the world-class city smarter.
President Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, told local officials that a world-class city must have world-class management and that they must improve the level of city management through scientific and smart methods.
He said better city management contributes to social stability and economic growth and local officials should continue to explore a new path of management with Chinese characteristics.
President Xi was in Shanghai for the country's first-ever import expo. On Monday, he announced the opening of China International Import Expo (CIIE) and said China will hold the trade fair every year. More than 3,600 companies from over 172 countries, regions and international organizations are attending the event from November 5 to 10.
Tour at Shanghai Tower
President Xi also inspected a Party-building service center of the Lujiazui Financial City, which is located in the Tower, to learn about the work being done by companies to build the party in the skyscrapers of Shanghai's Pudong New Area.
He visited the 119th floor's observation hall and saw the city's urban construction and development.
He said China has undergone earth-shattering changes since the reform and opening up, and Shanghai is a vivid example of such changes.
In 2007, Xi approved the design of the building while he was working in the city.
Visit a scientific park
President Xi, along with officials and scientists, inspected Zhangjiang Science City, an innovation hub in Shanghai. He commended the work of scientists and called on more efforts to achieve scientific and technological breakthroughs.
He said technology innovation is critical for the country, and their work is crucial to the realization of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
President Xi talks to scientists in Zhangjiang Science City in Shanghai, November 6, 2018. /CCTV Photo
Visit local community
During his visit to a community in the Hongkou District, President Xi spoke with some young CPC members and learned about the work of garbage classification.
A Party member told Xi that taking part in community activities is a new trend for young people. Xi commended their work, saying participating in garbage classification is indeed a new fashion.
Xi also visited a daycare center for the elderly in the community, noting that the aging population is one of the key issues that have the central government's attention.
He added that China is becoming an aging society, thus whether seniors can enjoy a happy life matters greatly to the Chinese people's overall quality of life.