Shanghai Party chief upbeat on post-Expo economy

Shanghai Party Secretary Xi Jinping said China's economy will maintain its robust growth beyond the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games and the 2010 Shanghai World Expo, Xinhua reported (in Chinese). "The Olympic Games and the Expo are definitely huge boosters to the Chinese economy, but they are not the only driving force," said Xi. He added that the two events will have a strong impact not only on the economy but also on Chinese culture. An estimated 200 countries, regions and international organizations will participate in the Expo, which will be held from May to October 2010.