The Shanghai legislature has, for the first time, opened its doors to the public to solicit suggestions on regional laws it plans to draft over the next five years.

By April 28, agencies, organizations, companies and residents can send their proposals on the laws they think are necessary in Shanghai between 2013 and 2017 to the Standing Committee of the Shanghai Municipal People's Congress.

Experts said the move could bring the congress and the public closer and help the lawmaking body focus more on the issues that the public is concerned about.