People in political and business circles care deeply about the coming World Expo's economic benefits for Shanghai and China. A large amount of money has been pumped into constructing the Expo's facilities, which comes from government capital, company sponsorships, income from franchise fees and land development profits. Governments of participating countries will pay for the construction of their national pavilions. Ticket sales are also a major income source for the host city. During the Expo's six months, an estimated 70 million visitors will come to Shanghai, purchasing tickets at the base price of 160 yuan ($23.5). Other income sources include Expo-related tourism, accommodation, exhibitions, trade fairs, retailing, catering, entertainment, advertising, logistics and financial services. The Expo's organizers are confident that they will not lose money by hosting the pageant. Vincente Gonzalez Loscertales, Secretary General of the Paris-based Bureau International des Expositions, said that he expects the Shanghai World Expo to become a historic event and the first such to turn a profit.

Due to different calculation methods, it is difficult to give an accurate figure of the Expo's total cost. One calculation estimates that if investment on the city's infrastructure of the Expo site is included, the total cost could amount to 400 billion yuan ($58.8 billion). Shanghai has built new airports, subways and hotels in the run-up to the Expo. By 2010, new city subways will total 400 km. Another major city infrastructure project is a traffic hub near Hongqiao International Airport, which connects high-speed railway stations, intercity rail stations, subway stations and airport terminals. Huge investment in these projects has become an important impetus to China's economic growth, which is particularly precious set against the global economic slowdown. Besides the upgraded city infrastructure, other legacies of the Expo will include cultivating a large number of residents with international visions and accelerating the development of a local services sector.

Compared with its material legacy, the event's spiritual legacy will be even more significant. Between April and October 2010, 70 million people from across the world will meet in Shanghai, China's "futuristic city," and exchange their views on the topic of "better city, better life," the Expo's theme. From this perspective, the Expo is nothing less than a catalyst for humanity's integration.

The author is a Fudan University professor and author of several books on Shanghai's history