2010 Expo opening and closing ceremony plans to unveil

The fourth International Participants Meeting of Shanghai World Expo was held yesterday. Lan Feng, chairman of Bureau of International Expositions, and Rosai Theis, Secretary-General of the Bureau, attended in the meeting.

The meeting marked up the finish of the first stage of Shanghai World Expo, and the current focus would be put in the key construction projects and the setup of pavilions, Mr. Theis said.

Mr. Theis emphasized that Urban Best Practice Area and Expo Shanghai Online were the most creative parts of Shanghai Expo, which contributed to the promotion of Shanghai World Expo and may serve as an example for the future Expo.

Mr. Theis hoped that the 2010 Shanghai Expo would make great achievements. He also suggested that the “Better City, Better Life.” theme should take up the continuous attention, and the international communication should been enhanced.

Hong Hao, director of Shanghai World Expo Bureau, introduced the overall preparation for the Shanghai World Expo. 241 countries and international organizations have confirmed the participation in 2010 Expo as of September 17. 38 of stand-alone pavilions have gone into operation. 42 rented pavilions have entered a fully operational stage and would begin to gradually phase into the exhibit stage in the fourth quarter of this year.

The organizers of the meeting introduced that the initial plans of opening and closing ceremony for 2010 Shanghai Expo have been developed. There would be a total of 20,000 cultural art events during the Expo.