Wu Bangguo, chairman of the Chinese National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, urged legislatures at all levels to make active attempts to promote political modernization in China on Friday.
Wu spoke during his inspection in Shanghai, from May 25 to 30.
He said the people's congress should take problems frequently encountered by people or closely related to their interests as the key problems of its legislation, supervision and research work.
He also showed great concern for the city's prevention work against SARS, making specific inquiries about the implementation of epidemic prevention measures in local airports, hospitals and schools.
Though SARS had gradually been brought under control in China, Wu pointed out that scientific knowledge of the disease was still incomplete and there should be no relaxation of vigilance in case of a recurrence.
Referring to the city's economy, Wu said the basic momentum for China's economic was still a strong driving force despite the negative influence of SARS.
He hoped that Shanghai would make further efforts to eliminate the impacts of SARS on the economy, to ensure the realization of economic development goals this year.
(Xinhua News Agency May 31 2003)
