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Shanghai Expo to help overcome crisis, official says

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-03-08 10:27

The World Expo 2010 to be held in Shanghai can help China and the world ride through the global financial crisis, said a Chinese political advisor Sunday.

"It's hopeful the Shanghai World Expo will be a precious opportunity to help China overcome economic difficulties and lift the world out of the crisis shadow," said Zhao Qizheng, head of the Committee for Foreign Affairs, a working organ of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), the country's top political advisory body.

Zhao cited the example of the World Expo 1933 in the US city of Chicago, which attracted nearly 23 million people and created about 100,000 jobs directly and indirectly.

The Chicago World Expo greatly boosted people's courage and confidence in fighting the Great Depression, said Zhao at a speech to the annual session of the CPPCC National Committee.

The World Expo 2010, with the theme of "Better City, Better Life", is due to be held from May 1 to Oct 31 next year and expected to attract 70 million visitors.

Altogether 185 countries and 46 international organizations has confirmed to attend the Expo as of February 18, said Zhao.