Shanghai's new mayor, Yang Xiong, said yesterday he understood the "inadequacies" of public services as "a citizen" of the mainland's commercial hub.
In his first speech to the press since the city legislature confirmed his appointment, Yang said environmental issues would top his administration's agenda, and he also pledged to look into employment, skyrocketing medical expenses, inequity in education and food safety.
"We became mayor and vice mayors thanks to the trust of our deputies, but we will never forget that we are, first and foremost, citizens," Yang told media after the closing of the Shanghai People's Congress. "We are also aware of the challenges facing the city and the inadequacies in the government's work."
He added: "Only by listening to all voices and understanding the diverse demands of the people will we be able to realise democratic and science-based decision-making."
Shanghai is stepping up efforts to become an international financial and shipping centre.
Yang faces an uphill task during his five-year term to implement an ambitious plan to drastically liberalise the finance and trade sectors. In a work report to the local legislature last week, Yang, who was then acting mayor, said Shanghai would create a free-trade zone.