The Chinese government and people are confident in hosting a
successful World Exposition in 2010 in Shanghai, Chinese Foreign
Minister Tang Jiaxuan told reporters in Paris on Monday.
"Our growing economy provides strong financial support, our stable
society assures good environment and the firm support from the
government further guarantees a successful Expo," said Tang at a
joint press conference held by the Chinese Expo Bidding Committee
and the International Exposition Bureau (BIE in French).
"The World Exposition is an occasion for people all over the world
to show their achievements in economy, trade, scien-technology and
culture and to enhance understanding and cooperation among all
nations," said the Chinese foreign minister.
Mayor of Shanghai Chen Liangyu told reporters that Shanghai, as
China's most dynamic international metropolis and avant-guard of
multi-cultural exchanges, will deliver a splendid exposition in
2010.
"Experts estimated the attendance at the World Expo 2010 in
Shanghai to be 70 million, which would be a widest participation in
the history of World Expo," he said.
"The Chinese business community pledges full support and assistance
to Shanghai's bidding for World Expo 2010," said Chairman of
Chinese Trade Promotion Committee Yu Xiaosong, who was also member
of the Chinese bidding committee.
"To host World Expo in 2010 will not only promote the economic
development of Shanghai and China as a whole, but also offer great
opportunities for the participating countries and regions to enter
the Chinese market and conduct cooperation," said Yu.
"A
gallop opinion poll showed that 90 percent of the Chinese people
and 93 percent of residents in Shanghai are willing to host World
Expo 2010 in Shanghai," said Yu when asked about popular attitude
in China towards Shanghai's bid.
Apart from Shanghai, Moscow, Mexico City, Poland's Wroclow and
South Korea' s Yeoso also bid for the World Expo 2010. On Tuesday,
the five cities will present their plans for hosting the 2010 World
Exposition to the 131st general assembly of the BIE.
(Xinhua News
Agency July 2, 2002)