Figures reduced, length shortened, and recycled paper used -- the annual work report of the Shanghai municipal government in 2005 seem quite different from those of previous years.
The slim 32-page government work report of 2005 was delivered at the annual session of the Shanghai Municipal People's Congress - the local legislature, which was held between Jan. 12 and 16 this year.
Most of the deputies agreed that the style of the report was down-to-earth and reflected the government's new concept of governance.
"The most obvious change is the cutting of reviewing parts and contents on the implementation of last year's plan for national economic and social development," said deputy Wu Husheng.
According to the report, the top priority of Shanghai municipal government in 2005 is to upgrade industrial structure and promote the "recycling economy," meaning that the city will work hard to save resources.
Among the 17 objectives set in the report for 2005, it is the first time for the municipal government to put energy consumption reduction in Shanghai's economic and social development plan.
The report set the aim of reducing the energy and resources consumption of per 10,000-yuan (US$1,205) output to less than 1.02 tons of standard coal. Currently, the efficiency of energy use in Shanghai is two times higher than China's national average but still has room for improvement in comparison with developed industrial countries, such as Japan and the United States.
"This shows that the government has been endeavoring to achieve scientific development of economy and society," said a deputy.
Another feature in this year's report is that there is no exact growth figure for overseas investment absorption, which is unlike previous reports.
"That the government doesn't set concrete aim for overseas investment introduction means that we will attach more importance to the quality and practical effects of overseas investment rather than just its quantity," Shanghai Mayor Han Zheng said.
As east China's commercial metropolis, Shanghai leads all Chinese cities in attracting foreign investment. In the first 11 months of 2004 alone, Shanghai used US$5.8 billion of overseas investment.
In addition, the municipal government pledged in the report to strengthen its functions in social and public services.
"All government staffers should hold the beliefs of loving the people, taking responsibility for the people, formulating policies to enable people rich and fulfilling their job to bring people more benefits," as the report put it.