Shanghai Daily news

The Italian Environment, Land and Sea Ministry announced yesterday that they will finance 850,000 euros (US$1.33 million) in factory renovation projects at World Expo Shanghai's Urban Best Practice Area.

It is the first time that a foreign government body has donated to Shanghai Expo.

The fund will be used to renovate old factories into exhibition halls in UBPA and build new public services facilities, said Massimo Martinelli, special adviser of the Italian ministry.

Shanghai Expo organizers have chosen more than 55 projects from 113 candidates in the 15-hectare UBPA, offering a stage for cities around the world to propose their solutions to urban issues.

The ministry also promised to cover part of the designing fees for building another exhibition hall and will consider donating more if the projects go beyond budget.