BEIJING, March 22 -- China should consider keeping the duration of the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing to 2 1/2 hours, Juan Antonio Samaranch, ex-president of the International Olympic Committee, said yesterday.

    He also suggested sports play a big role at World Expo 2010 in Shanghai.

    "I believe the opening and closing ceremonies of the Beijing Olympics will be great... but the organizers should carefully control the time," he said during the third Sino-Spain Forum yesterday in Shanghai.

    He said spectators at the Olympics come from all over the world. If the duration exceeds 2 1/2 hours, it will be difficult to hold the audience's interest.

    He said the opening ceremony should leave enough time for the parade of athletes, but its duration can still be shortened with good organization.

    He also said the 2008 Beijing Olympics will be a good opportunity to spread Chinese culture to the world.

    Miguel Angel Moratinos, foreign minister of Spain, said in a keynote speech at the forum that Spain is willing to help China with the 2008 Beijing Olympics and World Expo 2010 because it previously hosted both events.

    As for World Expo 2010, Samaranch suggested Shanghai host some international sporting events at the same time. He also said many international sports bodies have interests in holding an event in Shanghai during the world fair.

    Zhou Hanmin, deputy director of the Bureau of Shanghai World Expo Coordination, said via telephone that "Shanghai welcomes international sports events or sport-related exhibitions during the Expo."

    He said the theme of the World Expo is "Better City, Better Life" and that sports is an important part of life.

    He said Samaranch's suggestion was "enlightening."

    More than 500 Chinese and Spanish people attended the two-day forum which ends today. Members include high-ranking officials in commerce, trade, tourism, culture, sport and infrastructure.