Xuchang's ambition to shape itself into one of China's most vigorous cities is moving along well, said the city's mayor Li Ya.

Li, when presenting the government work report at the opening of the first session of the fifth municipal People's Congress on January 10, 2007, said: "Xuchang's economy maintains steady and rapid development, with the city's overall strength increased."

Significant progress has been made in the city's reform, breakthroughs have been achieved in its opening-up, social development has been accelerated, and people's life has been improved.