SHANGHAI Mayor Yang Xiong told lawmakers yesterday that the city should play a leading role in China’s economic “new normal” and push forward reforms in the pilot free trade zone to serve as a model for others.

“This year is to conclude the 12th Five-Year Plan (2011-2015) period and start an age stressing the rule of law. It will be very important for the city to do a good job in both economic and social works,” Yang said.

“Shanghai’s industrial restructuring is still in progress ... the economic fundamentals remain solid, but the downward pressure may increase this year with accelerating reforms.”