On January 30, Chen Xianjin, president of Shanghai World Expo Operation and Management Co., Ltd., met a delegation led by Japanese economist Sakaiya Taichi for a discussion about the enterprises' participation in the World Expo 2010 Shanghai.

Chen informed Sakaiya, also a former governmental official, some basic facts of World Expo 2010.

According to Chen, the organisers are now making progress on theme developing, building the pavilions, marketing, making work schedules, media promotion and attracting public participation.

There will be 16 company pavilions in the Expo Site. Chen hopes Japan will sign up for some of them.

Sakaiya thanked Chen for his information. "The company pavilions are one of the essential parts of World Expos," said Sakaiya. "Japanese companies are actively preparing for the exhibitions in World Expo 2010."

Two parties exchanged their thoughts on the types of pavilions as well as the cost and content of exhibitions.

Chen answered Sakaiya's questions on tickets price of the Expo, opening time, the Expo village and other supply services.

After the talk, the delegation had a bird's eye view on the top of the Expo Mansion and visited the Expo Site master plan exhibition hall downstairs.

World Expo 2010, themed as "Better City, Better Life," is targeted to attract 200 countries and regions to participate and 70 million visitors.