The Shanghai World Expo provided a boost to the city's efforts to transform itself into a global financial center, a leading Shanghai-based economist said in an interview with Xinhua Thursday.

The six-month event not only stimulated infrastructure construction and consumption, but could also showcase Shanghai's managerial expertise and economic vitality on this unique stage, said Lian Ping, chief economist of the Bank of Communications, China's fifth largest lender.

"The Expo will help attract more bankers and investors from both home and abroad to visit the city and do business here. The event will become a growth engine of the city and neighboring provinces for the next decade," Lian said.

The Shanghai World Expo, scheduled to open on May 1, will be the largest world exhibition ever and is expected to attract 70 million visitors from both home and abroad.

"The municipal government should also endeavor to attract top financial talents to the city by more competitive salaries and long-term incentives," he added.

The Chinese government decided in March 2009 to build the eastern metropolis into an international financial and shipping center in line with the country's economic strength and the international status of its currency by 2020.

(Xinhua News Agency April 29, 2010)