By Wang Yanbing

Q: Why do your country participate in Shanghai World Expo 2010?

A: We are very excited about the opportunity that EXPO 2010 presents for us. It will be the largest EXPO ever and the first in a developing country. Shanghai Expo 2010 will be one of the most important and major public diplomacy projects for UK in the coming few years.

Through participating we want to address that UK is committed to China and is China's professional partner. We want to showcase UK and its innovation, creativity and ambition to people -- the majority of whom will not have travelled to the UK before, or be fully aware of what the UK is about.

And UK is a responsible member of future world. We want to take this opportunity to contribute to China's effort in sustainable development under the theme of Expo 2010.

Q: Currently what ideas have UK got for the pavilion? How is preparation work going?

A: UK pavilion will render our understanding of Expo 2010's theme and sub-themes. It will reflect what UK want to show to Chinese, and also reflect what Chinese want to see from UK.

A dedicated team in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office is co-ordinating between all parties in private and public sector, to make sure the UK pavilion will be one of the most outstanding tourist attractions in the Expo park.

Q: How will your pavilion be different this time compared to your pavilions in past Expos?

A: It's of much larger scale and it's being planned well in advance. We will make sure to produce an excellent pavilion for this grand event.

Q: Any suggestions to our preparation works?

A: We have very good work relationship with Expo authorities and are ready to offer more of what we can to help make Expo 2010 a successful event.

We would welcome more inter-action, maybe in the form of regular news briefing with all consulates, where we hear about latest development and discuss issues of common interest/concern.

Q: What do you think about this city?

A: Shanghai is an exciting, vibrant, dynamic and international city. World EXPO 2010 will be a stage for the world into China, but also a window for Shanghai into the world. EXPO is not only focussing the city's efforts on regenerating parts of the city and investing in its infrastructure -- bit like London is doing in our preparations for Olympics in 2012 -- but is also focussing the city's efforts on developing its 'software' eg the talent of its people. For example, Shanghai British College will be offering event management degrees to develop these key skills. And Shanghai is working with many other British universities to up-skill in key areas such financial services.

Q: In your mind how will Expo 2010 be?

A: We would see an event that fully reflect the theme; an event that brings people from everywhere together to appreciate human being's achievements, and to work together on common issues faced by today's world such as environmental impact, energy consumption, climate change, sustainable development, sustainable urbanisation, culture diversity, etc. And, Expo 2010 should be a great fun for everyone as well!