World Expo, the agglomeration of human civilizations, the party of all peoples, has an unprecedented influence upon people and the world. Expo 2010 Shanghai, with the theme of "Better City, Better Life", is sure to bring about new glory and brilliance in the long development history of World Expo.

World Expo Shanghai 2010 In The Eye Of

Bernard Testu,France Commissioner General

Written by Wang Yanbing

Photographed by Xu Jiechen

With a special complex for World Expo, the seven-time host of World Expos (held in Paris), France was one of the first countries to confirm their participation in Expo Shanghai.Bernard Testu France Commissioner General for Shanghai Expo, together with another nearly 300 delegates from more than 100 countries and international organizations, spent a happy time during the first participants meeting in Shanghai, discussing the city's preparations for World Expo 2010. Mr. Bernard Testu, held in-depth discussions with our correspondent over wide range of topics covering the World Expo theme development, site construction, etc.

Journalist: World Expo is a global forum in exploring the progress of urban civilization. What positive effects do you think that EXPO Shanghai will produce to further explore the global urbanization process?

Bernard Testu: It is a good question. I can only give some of the answers. World Expo, a big event for mankind, is a platform for education, communication and dialogue. Expo Shanghai, the starting point in our exploration of global urbanization, will lay a sound foundation for all peoples' endeavors. Shanghai will bear the responsibility in building a platform for peoples' research and discussions of urbanization. "Better city, better life" is a wonderful theme, with which, I deem that city is sure to be a place to make the people living in it feel a better life.

Journalist: France has hosted World Expo many times, and left us many prominent World Expo buildings, which are put to great use today; and some of these buildings have become landmarks of France. Do you have any good advice for Shanghai in this respect?

Bernard Testu: Each World Expo will produce its landmark building(s). The Eiffel Tower is the most famous one that has survived the World Expos held in Paris, France. The Expo building complex will become the city's precious heritage after Expo Shanghai. In my opinion, the China pavilion, after a wonderful exhibition, is sure to be a permanent landmark building in Shanghai, presenting the unique features and images of China as a great country.

Journalist: World Expo 2010 Shanghai will be held in a downtown area, where many old workshops and old style buildings will remain. What do you about the preservation of these old buildings?

Bernard Testu: In retrospect, World Expo 1998 Lisbon was also held in a city downtown area. The utilization of this area after expo has proved to be a success. The Chinese government intends to plan the Expo area along both sides of Huangpu River, which is recognized by international community. I am gratified to see that these buildings representing industrial civilization will be kept within World Expo area. These buildings constructed in old industrial age, are symbols of the past in Shanghai. After an innovative rebuild, they will become invaluable heritage for Shanghai. For example, the two huge gantry cranes should be reserved, typically.

Journalist: What do you think of our cost saving principle in preparation for World Expo? Do you have any experience in this respect?

Bernard Testu: Your cost saving principle really makes sense. To be candid with you, our experiences in this respect are outdated. To some extent, World Expo is a system -- engineering of extreme complexity. Millions of people come together and hold peaceful talks with each other. Hosting such a big event will inevitably require a stupendous sum of money. However, a smooth decision making process and harmonious cooperation with international participants will help reduce many dispensable steps and make cost saving a possibility. The decision mechanism will offer you unexpected and substantial outputs. If careful and meticulous consideration takes into account each problem and each aspect, you will save your money. In preparations and operations, brainstorming each aspect to require limited cost input will also lead to savings.

Journalist: Do you have any other advice to Shanghai Expo?

Bernard Testu: Using this opportunity, I would like to say that I do appreciate the positive attitude Shanghai Expo organizers show in cooperation with international participants. The larger numbers of countries and regional participants obviously tells us that Shanghai Expo has an attractive and successful theme. In addition, to host a perfect World Expo festival, the participation of international community is essential. As the host country, China should work closely with international participants, share information, and make clear each other's demands. China and the international participants, just like the two legs of a person, can only walk smoothly when both of them are well coordinated.

Journalist: Are French people interested in Expo Shanghai? What do they most expect, if they come to Shanghai?

Bernard Testu: I may not represent the general French people. What I do know so far is that French people are looking forward to participating in Expo Shanghai. People will talk about China and Shanghai from time to time. With regard to Shanghai, the topic will be unconsciously referred to Expo 2010.

Expo Shanghai is a significant World Expo. The common people in France may expect a renaissance in World Expo with a brand new appearance. This will occur in China, a developing country, the first time in World Expo history; this will be the largest World Expo ever, also the first time in its history; this is of special importance. As we all expect, World Expo 2010 Shanghai may become a sound beginning to enable exploration of the urbanization process of human society. When I set my foot in today's Shanghai, I feel full of confidence that Shanghai is sure to give visitors and the international community an exceptional surprise in 2010.