The nation's dreams for the 2010 World Expo have come true as
Shanghai won the bid in the fourth round of voting at the Bureau of
International Exhibitions (
BIE) 132nd general assembly.
Shanghai beat four other cities and won 54 votes out of 88 member
countries in the final round.
At
3:15 p.m. local time, the Grimaldi Forum resembled a sea of red
five-star flags as people shouted "Shanghai, China."
The other four competing countries lost out in the order of Poland,
Mexico, Russia, and finally South Korea -- which lost by 20 votes
to China.
In
the presentation to Chinese delegation made here Tuesday morning,
Vice-Premier Li Lanqing said: "On behalf of the Chinese government,
I solemnly reaffirm that we will honor each and every commitment we
have made to deliver an exciting and unforgettable event."
Li
said Shanghai embodies China's desire to integrate with the
international community its robust economy, sound infrastructure,
clean environment and social stability.
"The BIE stands for understanding, exchange, cooperation and
friendship. These qualities can be fully realized by holding the
World Expo in China, a nation that believes in harmony and mutual
benefit," Li said.
At
the press conference held by the winner, Shanghai Mayor Chen
Liangyu expressed gratitude to representatives of the four
competitors who all extended their congratulations to China.
"Besides excitement, my mind is full of the thoughts on how to
carry out fully our commitments to make the expo the most
brilliant, unforgettable and successful one in expo history," he
said.
Shanghai vowed to earmark US$100 million to assist less developed
countries and provide subsidies to developing countries. Shanghai
will also facilitate the participation of other countries in the
expo by reducing their costs with subsidies and favorable
policies.
BIE President Gilles Noghes said the voters made the right choice
but added that this is only the beginning for Shanghai.
"I
have so much confidence that Shanghai will carry out the event
(under) the best conditions and make it the most splendid one,"
Noghes said.
(China Daily December 4, 2002)