Shanghai Mayor Han Zheng said he hoped the CPPCC Shanghai Municipal Committee would continue playing an active role as a government think tank, during a meeting held by the advisory body on January 10.

The meeting discussed about 12 research studies conducted by the committee in 2006. Ranging over a variety of topics, these studies deal with economic growth modes, energy prospects, suburban development, social assistance and neighborhood security. Last year, the Committee carried out altogether 44 research projects relating to issues reflecting public concerns. Of them, 41 have been completed.

At the meeting, Han expressed his gratitude for the contribution the committee had made, saying it provides valuable advice for government decision making through research studies on bread-and-butter issues. He also introduced the government’s blueprints for 2007.

The meeting was presided over by Jiang Yiren, Chairman of the CPPCC Shanghai Municipal Committee, and attended by Vice Mayor Yang Dinghua, Vice chairpersons of the CPPCC Shanghai Municipal Committee, and Yang Xiaodu, head of the United Front Work Department of the CPC Shanghai Municipal Committee.

The CPPCC (the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference) is an advisory body to the government.