Almost a year after winning its bid for World Expo 2010,
Shanghai's preparations for the event have again impressed the
Bureau of International Expositions (BIE).
This was the message from Expo 2010 Shanghai China Forum held
Thursday.
BIE President Gilles Noghes said: "You have been pursuing this
project with the same dedication and perseverance that you
demonstrated in the bidding contest which ended in an overwhelming
success for China and Shanghai."
To ensure a successful Expo, he said there must be total support
from the local community, all of China, and widespread involvement
by the international community.
"Both the national and international promotion of Expo has been
well done," Noghes said.
Thursday's forum, which is part of Shanghai's promotional
strategy, attracted over 300 participants from 15 countries as well
as from neighboring cities.
Deputy Governor of Jiangsu
Province Wu Ruilin said the world's fair would bring enormous
opportunities for not only Shanghai but the whole country.
His province, which borders Shanghai and is part of the Yangtze
River Delta - one of China's most dynamic economic areas - will
actively support and participate in the event.
According to Noghes, it is too early to say what Shanghai will
make of World Expo 2010 because the master plan has not been
released. But he said the good will Shanghai has shown suggests it
will be "a great success."
The forum discussed the Expo and urban development, scientific
innovation, cultural diversity, media promotion and other issues.
It will be held every year till 2009.
Chen Liangyu, Shanghai's Party secretary, said the forum allows
all BIE members to review, study and recommend changes to the
Expo.
"I believe the spirit and essence of the World Expo will be
fully realized and improved in Shanghai," he said.
The Bureau of Shanghai World Expo Co-ordination was also
launched yesterday. It replaces World Expo 2010 Shanghai Office and
is responsible for Expo preparations.
The creation of the bureau marks a new stage in the planning for
Expo 2010, said Mayor Han
Zheng at the launch.
(China Daily October 31, 2003)