SHANGHAI is still ranked in third place on a list of China`s most competitive cities but is predicted to go even higher.
The city came in just behind Hong Kong and Shenzhen, according to a report released yesterday by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.
The report said Shanghai had great potential to advance on the list amid its progress toward becoming a global financial and shipping center.
The World Expo, which opens on Saturday, would also enhance the city`s global influence and make it more attractive, it added.
The top three have remained unchanged since 2006.
This year marks a milestone for Shanghai as it hosts the Expo, which is expected to attract more than 70 million visitors to the city over its six-month duration.
Observers said Shanghai should maintain the momentum created by the Expo beyond 2010 and continue raising the quality of life by lifting environmental standards.
After the Expo, Shanghai will embrace another new bright spot of its development, the Disneyland theme park.
The annual list covered 294 major cities and assessed 12 factors in each, including the size of the economy, quality of life, economic efficiency and innovation capabilities.
The city came in just behind Hong Kong and Shenzhen, according to a report released yesterday by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.
The report said Shanghai had great potential to advance on the list amid its progress toward becoming a global financial and shipping center.
The World Expo, which opens on Saturday, would also enhance the city`s global influence and make it more attractive, it added.
The top three have remained unchanged since 2006.
This year marks a milestone for Shanghai as it hosts the Expo, which is expected to attract more than 70 million visitors to the city over its six-month duration.
Observers said Shanghai should maintain the momentum created by the Expo beyond 2010 and continue raising the quality of life by lifting environmental standards.
After the Expo, Shanghai will embrace another new bright spot of its development, the Disneyland theme park.
The annual list covered 294 major cities and assessed 12 factors in each, including the size of the economy, quality of life, economic efficiency and innovation capabilities.