World Expo is a global feast for people all over the world. With the progress of promotion for Expo Shanghai, as well as communication & negotiation with international participants, the Shanghai Expo organizers have set up a constant and friendly exchange with different countries and international organizations. The organizers have entered into deeper discussions and negotiations with the international participants on issues related to World Expo Shanghai. This Expo is expected to be the most successful international exposition in World Expo history but needs the active participation of and close cooperation from international community. We have interviewed delegates from several countries and international organizations. We have tried to bring to you the wisdom of the international community and voices of the world.

Mr. Perter Richetts, Permanent Under-secretary of State and Head of the Diplomatic Service, U.K.

The increasingly significant cooperation and exchange between China and U.K. will help us become one of the active participants in Expo Shanghai, which is a good opportunity for us to show our up-to-date achievements and inventions in science and technology, some of which will have their first trip in Shanghai.

We do appreciate the theme of Expo Shanghai, which will instill new vitality into cities. As host of the first World Expo, the U.K will keep its constant tradition in exhibition with the help of modern presentation methods. London, the host of Olympic Games 2012, shows great interest in participating in Expo Shanghai. So do the many other cities in the U.K. Liverpool, as I know, has contacted us via different channels to express the willingness to be a party at Expo Shanghai. Undoubtedly, people will enjoy the exhibits supplied from our many cities in 2010.

Mr. Thierry MATHOU, Consul-General of France in Shanghai

World Expos are always hosted by cities with very long histories. I believe Expo 2010 Shanghai will change this traditional image and endow World Expo with more vitality.

France is one of the first countries confirming their participation in Expo Shanghai. A dedicated workshop has been set up, and early preparations for Expo Shanghai have been started. We will make great efforts to build the most splendid pavilion in Shanghai. Chinese people's first impressions of France are romantic and artistic, and they will not be disappointed in this respect. France is a modern society as well. The France pavilion will tell peoples all round the world what the future of France will hold.

Mr. Yuji Kumamaru, Consul-General of Japan in Shanghai

Japan's participation in Expo Shanghai is co-managed by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, and Ministry of the Environment. Japan External Trade Organization also provides necessary support. In early 2006, a "World Expo Talkfest", composed of many groups, was established in Japan. They have been researching issues related to World Expo 2010 Shanghai. The theme of World Expo 2005 Aichi is Nature's Wisdom, exploring the co-existence of mankind and nature, which is correlated to the theme of Expo Shanghai, which is also leads to the question of how to create a better life for mankind. The Japan pavilion at the Expo Shanghai will focus on existing and living together with nature, introducing Japan's up-to-date technologies covering energy industry and environmental protection, etc.

Mr. Zafaruddin Mahmood, Consul-General of Pakistan in Shanghai

We confirmed our participation as soon as we received the invitation from World Expo 2010 Shanghai. Pakistan has traditionally friendly relations with China. Shanghai and Karachi, the biggest city in Pakistan, are sister cities. As China's friendly neighbor, we will make great efforts in participating in Expo Shanghai. With close alignment to the theme of Expo Shanghai, our exhibitions will focus on Pakistani culture, history, social customs and life, as well as highlight the friendly relations between our two countries.

I believe that China will be well prepared for Expo Shanghai, which will be the most successful one in World Expo history.

Mr. Dietmar Schmitz, Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology, Germany

The best presentation of urban theme in Expo Shanghai is the offer of convenience in urban life, which will make people feel the convenience and comfort resulting from modern city facilities. We have preliminarily selected the site to build our pavilion. At present, together with architects and designers, we are studying and discussing some items of technical consideration. Germany will be provided with a 6,000-square-meter exhibition area at Expo Shanghai, in which we will display our most advanced technologies and ideas to China and the world.

Mr. BadegiA Abikoye, Trade Commissioner, Nigeria

Nigeria has certain knowledge of World Expo with the experiences of participating in some World Expos held in Germany and Spain. In view of the great development Shanghai has achieved in recent years, we believe that Shanghai is the best city to host World Expo 2010. Lots of Nigerians expressed their desire to come to China to experience Expo Shanghai in 2010. The theme of Expo Shanghai "Better City, Better Life" offers significant enlightenment to many developing countries. We will try our best in taking part in this global event. Nigeria will build an individual state pavilion, in which Nigerian national features and cultural achievements will be exhibited in all respects.

Mr. Lars Reutersward, PhD, Director of UN-HABITAT International Division

UN-HABITAT is the United Nations agency for investigation and coordination of human settlements. In my opinion, the urban theme of Expo Shanghai will produce profound effects upon global urbanization and human settlements. The whole world will witness the great economic growth achieved in Shanghai, which will become a strong economic backdrop for hosting such a global exposition. UN-HABITAT will further strengthen the communication and cooperation with the Chinese government and take a positive role in promoting Shanghai Expo.