An update on preparations for the Shanghai Expo was given at a press conference sponsored by the State Council Information Office on Monday when Yang Xiong, vice-mayor of Shanghai Municipality, discussed progress on the Shanghai Expo.

Since March 22 when a Letter of Invitation to attend the Shanghai Expo 2010, signed by Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, was dispatched the international community has responded with enthusiasm.

By yesterday the Expo Organizers had already received confirmation from the following countries and international organizations to participate in Expo 2010 -- France, Ukraine, Bahrain, Mali, Cambodia, Canada, Mauritania, Algeria, Congo, Hungary, Switzerland, New Zealand, Cuba and the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity. This was the first time the organizers had disclosed the countries and organizations who've confirmed participation in the Expo 2010, according to Yang Xiong.

Apart from the countries and international organizations mentioned here many others have contacted the organizers. Some have already appointed their representatives to hold discussions beforehand with the Expo organizer so everyone will have a clear understanding about their participation at an early date.

Yang also explained that the area for Expo Shanghai is located at the Nanpu Bridge -- Lupu Bridge region along both sides of the Huangpu River. The total area for the Expo amounts to 5.28 square km with a further 1.4 square km for space devoted to coordinating the huge event.? The section of Huangpu River within the planned area is 8.3 km long. A lot of land will be restored for the project and waterside sightseeing spots will be created.

Considering a total of 70 to 80 million visitors are expected over the 184 days of the Expo the plan is to build a comprehensive modern transport system and improve the overall transportation capacity of Shanghai, Yang added.

To hold a successful World Expo is a solemn commitment of the Chinese government to the world. It's also important for Shanghai, as the host city, to achieve a great deal in the coming five years.?

Since December 3, 2002, when China was granted the honor to host the Expo 2010, Shanghai has linked with relevant State departments to make full preparations for the event under the leadership of the Central Government and, in particular, the Organizing Committee of the Expo 2010 Shanghai China, led by Vice Premier Wu Yi.

On December 1, 2005, The Application for Registration of Expo 2010 Shanghai China was approved at the 138th General Assembly of the Bureau International des Expositions.?

(China.org.cn April 24, 2006)