Shanghai mayor Ying Yong gives a press conference at Shanghai Expo Center on the evening of Jan 31. [Photo by Gao Erqiang/chinadaily.com.cn]

Shanghai will strive to make the economy grow in a stable manner, in line with its projected GDP growth goal of 6-6.5 percent this year, mayor Ying Yong said at a press conference on Jan 31 following the conclusion of the municipal congress' annual session.

"Shanghai's development faces many uncertainties this year. But we have the confidence to achieve the economy's growth goal, and that will require our hard efforts," he said.

Held after the annual session of the Municipal People's Congress, the press conference attracted media workers from home and abroad who raised questions on Shanghai's economic outlook in 2019, the expansion of its free trade zone, the establishment of a new board at Shanghai Stock Exchange, and the second edition of the China International Import Expo.

On the expansion of the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone and the widely anticipated science and technology board at the city's stock exchange, Ying said that the municipal government has been in discussions with the central government and will make public detailed plans as soon as possible.

"We are considering building a demonstration zone for the integrated development of the Yangtze River Delta region," Ying said, adding that the National Development and Reform Commission is formulating the plan.

Ying also commented on the approval of a municipal regulation on domestic garbage treatment during the annual session.

"In the past year, we have spent great efforts in reducing garbage at source and launched pilot garbage sorting programs at neighborhoods in six districts," Ying said. More than 3,300 recycling stations and 15 waste treatment facilities are under construction.

"Garbage sorting should become a fashion in the society, and I encourage everyone to participate in this initiative," he said. "For the next step, the municipal government will ensure the newly approved regulation will be well implemented."

Measures to improve the business environment, revitalizing rural area and raising social welfare were also explained by the mayor.

More than 100 reporters attended the news conference.