Shanghai Daily news

The first World Expo dictionary containing about 2,500 commonly used terms and phrases about various aspects of Expo was published yesterday.

The trilingual dictionary--featuring Chinese, English and French--was compiled by the Bureau of Shanghai World Expo Coordination.

Terms cover Expo's history, operation, participation, exhibition, organization and regulations.

"The idea of compiling such a dictionary came to us when we realized there were incorrect translations of Expo phrases and terms in daily use," Zhang Keqin, director of the legal affairs division of the Expo Bureau said.

Zhou Hanmin, deputy director general of the bureau, served as the editor-in-chief of the 485-page edition and the Shanghai Lexicographical Publishing House was responsible for its publication.

Also yesterday, Shanghai Mayor Han Zheng met Vicente Loscertales, secretary-general of the International Expositions Bureau, in Shanghai.

Shanghai is on the right track for the World Expo 2010 preparation and will strengthen services for participants, said Han.

Shanghai will accelerate preparation work, including signing participation contracts and pavilion construction, as the World Expo 2010 draws near, Han said.

Shanghai is well-prepared for the Beijing Olympic Games and the city's capacity of social services and public management will be tested during that period, Han said.

Han thanked Loscertales for his support. Loscertales said Shanghai set a record in Expo's history in terms of the number of participants which meant enormous challenges for organizers.

A total of 211 countries and international organizations have confirmed their participation for the event, and 70 million visitors are estimated to attend.

Loscertales expected organizers to speed up the preparation and strengthen services to participants.