China's top legislator Wu Bangguo said Shanghai should lead the country in scientific innovation, industrial structure reform, and environmental protection as he concluded his five-day tour to the city.

Upon his arrival in Shanghai, China's economic hub, on April 18, Wu, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), visited Shanghai's commercial district, ports, and industrial bases for chemicals, machinery, and ship building.

With many colleges, science institutes and big firms, Shanghai had prominent advantages at developing technology and could "make great progress in this regard," Wu said.

He asked local leaders to give high-tech firms more play in the market and offer incentives to technology specialties.

Wu also called for growing efforts in the next five years to develop the city's service industry, especially logistics, exhibition service, and services that offer convenience for the general public.

Traditional industries like textile sector, on the other hand, should eye for development at high ends, Wu said.

As for the deteriorating urban environment nationwide, Wu ordered Shanghai to pay close attention to environmental protection by shutting down polluting factories and vetoing any projects that might pose environmental threats.

Shanghai should lead the country in urban environmental protection and prepare to hold the world expo in 2010 with good ecological conditions.

(Xinhua News Agency April 23, 2006)