Officials from the Bureau of Shanghai World Expo Coordination, law experts, representatives from consulates and others met this morning at the "2006 Shanghai Expo Legal Forum", discussing topics related to legal issues in the Expo operation.

The annual forum was co-organised by the bureau and the Shanghai Law Society. This year marked the third of the forum.

Topics in focus included the operation of commercial facilities in the World Expo Site, the protection of exhibitors' rights as well as the visitors' rights and others.

Zhong Yanqun, Standing Deputy Director of Shanghai 2010 World Expo Executive Committee, delivered a keynote speech at the opening ceremony.

"Shanghai has strictly applied international laws and regulations in preparations for World Expo 2010. Meanwhile, the Chinese government has also created a secure environment for the Expo by strengthening legislation," Zhong said.

Shen Guoming, general secretary of Shanghai Law Society, addressed a congratulatory letter on behalf of China Law Society. He indicated that the timely resolution of Expo-related legal issues was one of the keys to a successful World Expo.

Fang Huiping, director general of Shanghai Administration of Industry and Commerce, promised that the administration, as a law enforcer, would work hard to protect consumer rights and intellectual property rights at World Expo 2010.

Speakers included Zhou Hanmin, deputy director general of the bureau, Chen Xianjin, president of Shanghai World Expo Operation Co., Ltd., Masafumi Makimura, chief producer of Aichi Expo Operation, Chen Xuejun, deputy director of Shanghai Administration of Industry and Commerce, Hu Honggao, a law professor at Fudan University, Wu Hong from East China University of Politics and Law, Karen Howard, deputy president of Ticketmaster Co. from the United States, Sun Guohao, deputy president of Shanghai World Expo Operation Co., Ltd. and Ji Xiang, a partner of Fangda Partners.