By: Zhang Ruyun

Photographed by: Xu Jiechen

Huang Yaocheng

Our reporter talks to Mr. Huang Yaocheng, Deputy Director of the Bureau of Shanghai World Expo Coordination, on the previous work in preparing for the World Expo and the future preparations in the next phase.

Q: The approval of the“Application for Registration of Expo 2010 Shanghai China”(“Application”) signifies that the preparatory work for the Expo has entered into a full-scale substantive stage from the previous preliminary preparation. Could you make a brief summary of the preparations in the previous phase?

A: The approval of the Application means that the preparatory work for the Expo Shanghai has achieved its results for the first phase. In the first phase, we have done a lot of work, which mainly includes the following seven aspects:

Firstly, it is the compilation of the Application as well as efforts to ensure the successful adoption of the report.

Secondly, it is the planning of the expo area and the first-phase relocation work, which are interrelated. The overall plan of the Expo Shanghai was adopted at the second meeting of the Shanghai 2010 World Expo National Organizing Committee, and the compilation of 18 concrete plans kicked off thereafter, which have also been passed. All in all, the planning of the expo area and the first-phase relocation work has proceeded smoothly.

Thirdly, it is the development of the theme. The Expo Shanghai has formulated one blanket theme and five sub-themes. In order to deepen the theme, we have proposed 320 thematic elements via a series of collection, development and research work on the theme, which have all been listed in the Application.

Fourthly, it is the selection of the World Expo emblem and song. The emblem for the World Expo is a window of and the image for the event. The design of selection procedure for the World Expo emblem is a very scientific one, which has won broad acclaims from the jury.

Fifthly, it is the issuance of the first tranche eight billion Yuan World Expo bonds, and the preferential taxation policy also gained green light from the State Council.

Sixthly, we have been to Japan to study the Expo Aichi and launched promotional events for the Expo Shanghai by utilizing the platform of the Expo Aichi.

Seventhly, we also launched other promotional and marketing work, formulated plans for market opening and other relevant work.

Q: The second phase for the preparatory work of the Expo Shanghai has fully started, could you briefly introduce the preparatory work to be done this year?

A: Last December, the third meeting of the Shanghai 2010 World Expo National Organizing Committee was held in Beijing, which proposed eight tasks to be executed in 2006 in preparing for the Expo Shanghai, which are the following:

Firstly, it is the development and deepening of the theme. The development of the theme is a dynamic process, with new contents slated to be added gradually and incessantly. We have set up a team of chief designers for the Expo Shanghai to take charge of the development of the theme.

Secondly, it is the construction of the Expo Park. The bidding work for some of the buildings will start in the second half of this year. In addition, the construction of infrastructure and other follow-up facilities will also kick off.

Thirdly, we will extend invitations to participants, investors and businesses. China plans to attract more than 200 countries and international organizations to take part in the Expo, and for 2006, we are targeting 50-70 countries that will unveil their intentions to participate in the Expo Shanghai. After securing their agreement to participate, we will invite them to the coordination and press conferences in a proper time.

Fourthly, it is the market development. We will try our best to find the partners and top sponsors for the Expo Shanghai this year, which means we should get into close touch with famous international companies and domestic firms.

Fifthly, it is the strengthening of legal systems, with its emphasis on the protection of intellectual property rights for the World Expo.

Sixthly, it is the human resources development. During the World Expo, a large number of talented people will be needed, and the personnel training for the Expo Shanghai will be on the agenda this year.

Seventhly, it is the communication and promotional work. The promotional and marketing work should be launched in a multi-layered way. First it is the communication with participating countries. Second it is the domestic communication and promotion, which means we should launch promotions in each province and municipalities in order to attract them to better participate in the World Expo and to better display the image of our whole country.

Eighthly, it is the financing issue, which is very important for the World Expo. Investment from the central and local government will account for 40% of the funds needed in running the World Expo, with another 40% coming from proceeds raised from the issuance of World Expo bonds, bank loans and various other financing means and the remaining 20% to be financed and donated by enterprises.

Q: What is the schedule for implementing these programs this year, and what are the key issues to be tackled for the Bureau of Shanghai World Expo Coordination in the near future?

A: According to our current estimate, we may see a breakthrough this March in market development, selecting at least one partner to propel the subsequent market development. In inviting participants and businesses, we will convene a coordination conference for participating countries in the fourth quarter this year. Of course these may be adjusted in line with the practical situations. And once the number of confirmed participating countries is in line with our estimation, and the time is relatively ripe, we will convene the coordination conference. In the communication and promotion front, we will at least hold two press conferences for overseas media with the help of the Information Office of the State Council. With respect to the construction of the Expo Park, we will gradually start the construction in the second half this year, in particular the construction of infrastructure and accessory facilities. Concerning the development of the theme, the work of the chief designers as well as other expert teams will be arranged one by one this year. Nevertheless, the development of the World Expo theme should be a long-term, multi-year project, which may last until the hosting of the World Expo.

Apart from the coordination work in the process of implementing various tasks, the focus of the Bureau of Shanghai World Expo Coordination in the near future is to make a study of the ability of the Expo Shanghai in receiving visitors, accommodating them and ensuring their safety.