Shanghai, the largest commercial and financial city in China, is optimistic that the country's entry into the World Trade Organisation can further accelerate its economic growth and achieve a 10 per cent economic growth rate for the 11th consecutive year.

The gross domestic product of Shanghai increased to 495 billion yuan (US$60 billion) from 89.3 billion yuan (US$10.8 billion U.S. dollars) during the l992-2001 period, showing an average yearly growth rate of over 10 per cent.

As such, companies from around the world are looking to capture a piece of this growth in the bustling city of some 16 million people. With Beijing's successful bid for the 2008 Olympic Games, sports has not been neglected and Shanghai boasts one of the most modern stadiums in Asia, which is also home of the Regal Shanghai East Asia Hotel.

Regal Shanghai East Asia Hotel offers a casual yet business oriented atmosphere. Although the hotel opened just five years ago, it recently refurbished its "Regal Class" floors, and four standard floors. In addition, its restaurants and bars are also being renovated to provide guests with the level of service and facilities synonymous with the Regal name.

Besides first class accommodation, the hotel also offers a wide selection of gourmet dining at its many restaurants, including a 24-hour restaurant serving exotic Chinese and Western buffets. An authentic Japanese Restaurant, the well known Ting Heung Lau Chinese Restaurant and the Top of the World Bar where you can overlook the magnificent view of the stadium ensure guests have plenty of dining choices. Beside the banquet hall on the lobby level that can accommodate up to 550 pax, an entire floor with direct access from the hotel's elevators, The Stadium Meeting and Conference Center, provides eight venues to cater to business travellers' different needs.

The hotel offers a well equipped business centre and guests can take advantage of broadband connections in all guest rooms and public areas. The hotel also boasts a Health Club with state-of-the-art equipment and professional in-structors, where guests can workout and then relax in the club's spa, sauna and steam bath.

Guests staying at the hotel's club rooms can also enjoy a number of value-added services at no extra charge. These include butler service, laundry and pressing of three pieces of clothing as well as daily breakfast and evening cocktails at the comfortable and exclusive Club Lounge. The lounge, located on the 27th floor, enjoys a panoramic view of the city and has an eight-seat boardroom and one computer workstation offering Internet access.

Grand Hyatt Shanghai is located on the uppermost floors of the spectacular 88-story landmark Jin Mao Tower, situated in Pudong the financial and trade centre of Shanghai. The 555 guestrooms all have stunning views, spacious marble bathrooms, two-line telephones, broadband Internet connection, and interactive TV with e-mail.

Seven floors of the hotel are dedicated to the Grand Club, ideal for business travellers seeking a more personalised service, which includes all day concierge and butler service, complimentary breakfast, evening cocktails served with hors d'eurves and all-day coffee and tea in the comfort of their private two-storey high Bund View Grand Club Lounge. An exclusive Boardroom is available for the complimentary use of Grand Club guests.

Located in the heart of the city on the famous Nanjing Road, The Portman Ritz-Carlton is the centrepiece of the Shanghai Centre complex -- the city's prestigious business and residential address.

The hotel has 564 spacious rooms and suites, and non-smoking accommodation is available, in addition to guestrooms specifically designed to meet the special needs of disabled guests.

The Ritz-Carlton Club rooms and suites provide personalised concierge service and perks, including private 24-hour check-in and late check-out, special in-room amenities and complimentary pressing of one suit, among others.

The Portman Ritz-Carlton is 25 minutes from Shanghai Hongqiao Airport, and 45 minutes from the Pudong International Airport.