More than 150 experts from home and abroad yesterday took part in an international forum to discuss their experience of Shanghai's urbanisation and any problems they encountered during city's development.

Shanghai Mayor Han Zheng addressed the forum and Vice Mayor Yang Xiong delivered the keynote speech.

Han said Shanghai would concentrate on emphasizing World Expo 2010's theme, "Better City, Better Life," as being the best preparation for the Expo.

He said he hoped the guests would have suggestions to make on how to push the urban development of Shanghai and how to host a successful World Expo in 2010.

"It is very important for the experts gathered here to exchange their ideas and experiences to help the city's sustainable development."

The forum was conducted by the Urban Land Institute, a nonprofit research and education organization founded in 1936 and having more than 34,000 members worldwide representing the entire spectrum of land use and real estate development disciplines, working in private enterprise and the public service.

The mission of the Urban Land Institute is to provide leadership in the responsible use of land and in creating and sustaining thriving communities worldwide.