Wu made the remarks at the general assembly of the Bureau on International Exposition (BIE), at which cities from six countries presented their candidatures for the universal event.

"It's a formal engagement that my government has taken...It will give full support to the municipality of Shanghai in its efforts in making World Expo 2010 a full success," said the ambassador.

Moscow, the Mexico city, Buenos Aires, Wroclow (Poland), Yeoso (South Korea) and Shanghai presented their candidacies at the assembly of the Paris-based international organization.

Over the past 150 years since the BIE was founded, no large-scale registered world exposition has ever been held in a developing country, said the Chinese ambassador.

"China is the largest developing country. World Expo 2010 in Shanghai will bring a better comprehension between China and the rest of the world ...If Shanghai wins (the bidding), it would be a win-win solution, for BIE, for China and for the rest of the world," he said.

Xu Kuangdi, Mayor of Shanghai, presented in detail the theme, sites and pavilion that Shanghai plans for World Expo 2010, which, if won by China, will be held from May 1 to October 30 in Pudong New Area of Shanghai.

As the largest city in China and one of the leading cities in Asia, Shanghai will give World Expo 2010 a theme of "Better City, Better Life", said Xu, adding that the Exposition will review the process of urbanization, demonstrate and exchange new ideas and technologies in city development.

"Shanghai is booming. But the Boom is not just new factories, skyscrapers, bridges and subways. The city has become a better city offering better life," said William Keller, honorary citizen of Shanghai and General Manager of Roche (China) Pharmaceuticals Co, Ltd.

Presenting Shanghai's bid at the assembly, Keller told the assembly: "My experience as the head of Roche China has proven that it is the city that best blends the east and the west, has the most efficient government, offers talented workforce and provides win-win cooperation."

The 88 member states of the BIE will vote in December 2002 to decide the host city of the World Expo 2010.

(People?s Daily December 2, 2001)