Beijing should take the lead in the country in basically modernizing itself, leader of the top advisory body said on Saturday.

"Beijing is fully able to develop faster than any other major cities elsewhere in China as it is the national capital, with fairly sound conditions in various fields," said Jia Qinglin, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).

Jia, also a Standing Committee member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, made the remarks during a panel discussion with the Beijing delegation of the National People's Congress on the government work report made by Premier Wen Jiabao.

Beijing should adhere to the scientific outlook on development in economic growth and social progress, said Jia.

He went on to underscore that the scientific outlook on development should be incarnated in all spheres of Beijing's reform and opening-up and modernization drive.

A full scope should be given to the municipality's advantages, including competitive technological forces, talents and vast stretches of suburban and rural areas and their huge potential, as well as the city's vital role as an international metropolis, Jia said.

Jia also urged Beijing to speed up urban development and planning so as to facilitate hosting a "unique, high-standard" Olympic Games in 2008.

(Xinhua News Agency March 6, 2005)