Yu Zhengsheng: Expo will lift nation´s economy

"Besides, the organizers will this year host a series of promotional activities in major overseas target markets, and are already working with Chinese embassies and consulate-generals worldwide to lure more visitors."

Yu, a former minister of construction, said Shanghai Expo's theme of "Better City, Better Life" complies with the country's massive urbanization process, adding that it will work as an exchange platform for ideas on urban construction and innovations worldwide.

The city has invested heavily to upgrade its transportation and urban construction ahead of the global event.

So far, a total of 18,000 Shanghai households, formerly located in the expo area, have been relocated, doubling their average household living area to 75 sq m from the previous 30 sq m.

Editor:Liu Anqi