Shanghai Daily news

World Expo 2010 should demonstrate hundreds of innovative concepts of culture, not be used as a forum to attract foreign investments, a senior organizer said yesterday.

Wang Jinzhen, vice chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, said exhibitions at the event were neither commercial fairs or picture galleries.

He urged participants to think hard about putting up their displays in their 600-square-meter spaces in the China Pavilion.

"Participating in World Expo is a complex and concrete project," Wang said, as representatives from provinces and cities gathered at a national participation meeting in Shanghai.

Wang said local officials should have a clear idea that participating in the Shanghai Expo is to demonstrate innovative ideas of culture and city development, not to show off achievements or attract foreign business.

Wang quoted Vice Premier Wu Yi as saying that the "concept" is the key to the China Pavilion. The exhibition is a test for officials' perception of local culture, history and latest achievements.

Local leaders should think of unique ways to showcase their thinking about human development, Wang said.

Provinces and cities are required to submit their preliminary exhibition plans before April next year.

Each province or city in the Chinese mainland will get a place in the provincial joint pavilion beside the main structure in the China Pavilion section.