BEIJING, April 1 -- The Shanghai government should strengthen self-discipline to build itself into one of the most transparent and efficient governments in the country, city Mayor Han Zheng said yesterday.

    The pledge came as Han presided over the first general assembly of the new city government since it was elected this January.

    "Officials of the new government should learn new things and keep improving themselves. The whole government team should be strictly managed and disciplined rigidly," Han said.

    The city government this year would focus on 14 city-level social investigation programs and 22 top government work deeds, such as implementing energy saving and emission reduction strategies, perfecting the city's social welfare system and strengthening real estate market control, Han said.

    Shanghai would also offer its full support to the Beijing Olympics, while being heavily involved in the 600-day count down preparation plans for the 2010 World Expo.

    "We should give special attention to the world and domestic situation as well as new problems that pop up in the city's development," Han said.

    "We should be fully prepared for possible difficulties and risks ahead," he said.