Shanghai will limit its population to around 25 million by 2040, according to a draft plan published by the municipal government on Monday.

The draft of the city's urban development plan for the period from 2016 to 2040 has been revealed to solicit public opinion.

Statistics from the city government show that the population of permanent residents of Shanghai was 24.15 million as of the end of 2015.

According to the draft, Shanghai aims to be "an international economic center, international financial center and international center of trade, shipping and scientific innovation as well as a cultural metropolis" by 2040.

Zhuang Shaoqin, head of the Shanghai urban planning and land resources bureau, said the city will upgrade its public service facilities, and the number of small and medium-sized apartments and rental units will be increased.

Shanghai will also pursue integrated development with neighboring cities. A big city cluster will be formed and people will be able to reach other cities in the cluster within 90 minutes, Zhuang said.

Source : XINHUA