(Yicai Global) Jan. 15 -- Many members of the China People's Political Consultative Conference in Shanghai, the region's political legislative advisory body, made suggestions for improvements to the local business environment at the Shanghai Two Sessions, the city's most important annual political event.

Below are comments from some of the members of the group who spoke with Yicai Global yesterday.

Francis Leong -- General manager of Macao's Rainbow Group and member of the Shanghai CPPCC

"The government should attach importance to fostering innovative companies, as firms need different resources in the early stage and growth stage. We also look forward to the release of the 4.0 version of Shanghai's business environment improvement plan," he said on the struggles of companies raising money.

Chen Qiyu --Chairman of Shanghai Fosun Pharmaceutical Group and member of the Shanghai CPPCC

"I hope that the government will give greater support, such as guidance funds to high-tech industries, especially to companies that have invested heavily in innovation and research and development. Also, the government should pay attention to upgrading public hospital facilities, including clinical research capabilities and the construction of incubation platforms."

The government also needs to help reduce companies' costs of recruiting global science and technology talent, which could better facilitate businesses and give them a competitive advantage, he added.

Liu Jianmin -- Chairman of Shanghai King's Auction and member of the Shanghai CPPCC

China has legislation on business environment optimization at a macro level, and Shanghai should implement specific laws on a micro level, Liu said, adding the sustainability and effectiveness of the policy would be very important.

Paul Mak -- Managing director of Hong Kong's Mak Brands Holdings and member of the Shanghai CPPCC standing committee

"Generally, the process is simplified, especially in the context of protectionistism. Shanghai is more open to the international world, and more foreigners come here to do business."