FOSTERING residents’ feeling of belonging should be listed on the top of the city’s non-tangible priorities, deputies to the Shenzhen Municipal People’s Congress (MPC) and political advisers stressed last week.

Home to millions of people hailing from different parts of China, Shenzhen is characterized by diverse cultures. Mobilizing residents to do their bit for the city is the most urgent aspect of raising the city’s image in the world, especially with the 26th Universiade, to be held in Shenzhen in 2011, just four years away, MPC deputies and CPPCC members said.

MPC deputy Wu Zhong also suggested the city government educate more residents, especially young people and migrant workers, about serving the city.

The media is also responsible for educating people by covering noble deeds, Wu said.

MPC deputy Chen Jintang proposed that the government do more for migrant workers, such as showing movies on migrant life.

A better class of residents is vital to promote Shenzhen’s image during the 2011 Universiade, MPC deputies Liu Shuhua and Xi Rong said.

“Compared with other metropolises, Shenzhen is confronted with some problems that need urgent solving, such as citizens’ comparatively low quality and lack of cohesion. Spitting, littering, jumping queues, disobeying traffic rules and other uncivilized behaviors are undermining the city’s image,” they said.

(Wu Tong)