Italian President Carlo Azeglio Ciampi left Shanghai for home Thursday afternoon at the end of his six-day state visit to China.

During his stay in Shanghai, China's economic hub, Ciampi visited new Pudong district and China-Italy cultural plaza. He also took a cruise along the Huangpu River.

When meeting with Shanghai Mayor Han Zheng Thursday, Ciampi said remarkable changes have taken place in Shanghai since he visited the city 19 years ago.

Shanghai will hold the World Expo in 2010. This will provide numerous business opportunities for Italian enterprises, Ciampi said.

As the guest of Chinese President Hu Jintao, Ciampi arrived in Beijing on Dec. 4 to start his China visit. He was accompanied by a number of ministers of the Italian cabinet.

Source: Xinhua