Shanghai Daily news

Shanghai Mayor Han Zheng heard the work report on preparations for World Expo Shanghai 2010 at an executive committee meeting yesterday in Shanghai.

Han also discussed the concept plans of China Pavilion, theme pavilions and the African joint pavilion with organisers.

Han said Expo preparations have been accelerated. The executive committee should be more united and should clarify their goals to implement the work.

Han noted that the organisers must accelerate the construction of the Expo Site and accomplish the goal -- attracting 170 countries and international organisations to participate in 2007.

The organisers should also provide better services to participants, Han said.

Han also urged the organisers to enlarge the Expo effect and increase the participation of the whole nation. To do this he said more promotional events need to be held nationwide, as well as overseas.

Wan Jifei, vice chairman of China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, was impressed with Expo preparation work.

Wan urged the organisers to put the theme development of China Pavilion and theme pavilions in an important place.

Shanghai Vice Mayor Yang Xiaong and Zhang Xuebing, Zhong Yanqin, fulltime deputy directors of the World Expo 2010 Shanghai Executive Committee, also attended the meeting.