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 yesterday.

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.