Shanghai Daily news

Three Italian cities will hold exhibits in the Urban Best Practices Area (UBPA), showcasing innovative solutions to urban problems.

The Italy Environment, Land and Sea Ministry will donate 850,000 euros (US$1.33 million) for old Chinese factory renovations in the UBPA. It is the first donation to Shanghai Expo by a foreign government body.

The Italian funds will be used to renovate 500 square meters of factory space into exhibition halls and new public facilities.

Milan will host the next Expo in 2015.

Milan's Expo theme is "Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life," touching on health, the environment and sustainable human spaces of the future.