Yu Zhengsheng: Expo will lift nation´s economy

Source: China Daily | 04-29-2009 10:15

SHANGHAI: The 2010 World Expo in the city will spur the nation's economy at a time when the global financial crisis hasn't yet bottomed out, a top official said Tuesday.

The six-month expo, due to open in May next year, will lift China's economy, with investments and employment opportunities, boosting consumption in the tourism and commerce sectors, Shanghai's Party chief Yu Zhengsheng, who is also the vice-chairman of the expo's organizing committee, said.

"This year, ahead of the expo, is going to be very critical and we are actively pushing our preparations for the massive event in an orderly manner," he said.

Most foreign participants have started constructing their exhibition halls, and by the end of this year, all the landmark venues for the expo, such as the China Pavilion and the Expo Center, will complete construction, Yu said.

The metropolis is also on track to finish construction of its tunnels, rails and roads well in time for the event, and will continue with its efforts to improve the environment around the expo venue, he said.

"There will be massive job opportunities in areas such as logistics, creative industries and facilitating service sectors like food and beverage, shopping, transportation and sightseeing," said Yu, adding some 70 million visitors were expected in Shanghai during the expo.