SHANGHAI will invest at least 135 billion yuan (US$21 billion) in 126 construction projects this year — a record high since the 2010 World Expo.

The investment, up from 710 million yuan from last year‚ will involve projects covering scientific and research centers, environment, education and cultural, infrastructure and security, Shanghai’s vice mayor Shi Guanghui announced yesterday.

There are 23 science and technology projects, including building the Zhangjiang Science City, a research center for China Nuclear Engineering & Construction Group Corp, and the second-phase construction of the Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility.