During his three-day inspection trip to Shanghai, Premier Wen Jiabao urged the city to take the lead in the country's modernization push.

While developing the west and reviving the northeast, the country should continue to push the eastern region's rapid economic growth, Wen said.

The central government will proceed with its support of the development of the Pudong New Area in Shanghai, Wen said.

Development of the new area, which started 13 years ago, has become an important growth point for the city.

Wen stayed in Shanghai from Friday to yesterday to discuss aspects of the city with workers, college students and citizens, as well as to listen to a Shanghai government work report.

He said Shanghai is of strategic importance to the economic development of China's eastern region and the country as a whole. The city should take the opportunity to speed up its development.

Shanghai should try to upgrade its international competitiveness and develop a modern service sector, Wen said.

It should play a leading role in the region in terms of seeking development.

With an export-orientation, Shanghai should further its opening up policies and make full use of foreign capital.

Shanghai should strengthen its environmental protection and pollution treatment while pursuing sustainable development, Wen said.

He added the city should work to attract professionals. In particular, a sound environment should be created for Chinese students studying abroad to start up businesses.

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