An update on preparations for the Shanghai Expo was given at a
press conference sponsored by the State Council Information Office
on Monday when Yang Xiong, vice-mayor of Shanghai Municipality,
discussed progress on the Shanghai Expo.
Since March 22 when a Letter of Invitation to attend the
Shanghai Expo 2010, signed by Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, was dispatched the international
community has responded with enthusiasm.
By yesterday the Expo Organizers had already received
confirmation from the following countries and international
organizations to participate in Expo 2010 -- France, Ukraine,
Bahrain, Mali, Cambodia, Canada, Mauritania, Algeria, Congo,
Hungary, Switzerland, New Zealand, Cuba and the Secretariat of the
Convention on Biological Diversity. This was the first time the
organizers had disclosed the countries and organizations who've
confirmed participation in the Expo 2010, according to Yang
Xiong.
Apart from the countries and international organizations
mentioned here many others have contacted the organizers. Some have
already appointed their representatives to hold discussions
beforehand with the Expo organizer so everyone will have a clear
understanding about their participation at an early date.
Yang also explained that the area for Expo Shanghai is located
at the Nanpu Bridge -- Lupu Bridge region along both sides of the
Huangpu River. The total area for the Expo amounts to 5.28 square
km with a further 1.4 square km for space devoted to coordinating
the huge event.? The section of Huangpu River within the
planned area is 8.3 km long. A lot of land will be restored for the
project and waterside sightseeing spots will be created.
Considering a total of 70 to 80 million visitors are expected
over the 184 days of the Expo the plan is to build a comprehensive
modern transport system and improve the overall transportation
capacity of Shanghai, Yang added.
To hold a successful World Expo is a solemn commitment of the
Chinese government to the world. It's also important for Shanghai,
as the host city, to achieve a great deal in the coming five
years.?
Since December 3, 2002, when China was granted the honor to host
the Expo 2010, Shanghai has linked with relevant State departments
to make full preparations for the event under the leadership of the
Central Government and, in particular, the Organizing Committee of
the Expo 2010 Shanghai China, led by Vice Premier Wu Yi.
On December 1, 2005, The Application for Registration of Expo
2010 Shanghai China was approved?at the 138th General Assembly
of the Bureau International des Expositions.?
(China.org.cn April 24, 2006)