Written by Zhong Yanqun,

(Standing Depute Director of Shanghai World Expo Executive Committee and Secretary of the Party Committee Bureau of Shanghai World Expo Coordination)

Time flies, and the early half of 2005 has witnessed the smooth progress of the“Expo 2010 Preparation Efforts”(hereinafter referred to as the“Expo Prep”), supported by the Central Government officials, Shanghai Municipal Party Committee and Government.

“Expo Prep”is scheduled to enter the full-scale implementation stage in 2005. Shanghai Municipal Party Committee and the Government attach great importance to this case, ranking its promotion and supervision as top of their agendas. Driven by a sense of mission and urgency, we are determined to satisfy the expectations, reflected in the ardent eyes, of public and leaders of all rank. By producing an amazing and unforgettable world expo in 2010, we aim to have this expo remembered as a gem sparkling in the 150 year plus history of the world expo.

“Expo Aichi”, opened on March 25, and is the closest event, in terms of location, to“Expo Shanghai”. There we have set up a“Shanghai Desk”in the Chinese Pavilion. The desk is not only a showcase, publicizing“Expo 2010 Shanghai”to the agencies and visitors at Aichi, but also a platform to enhance communication and exchanges with the participating countries and international organizations. We also hope to learn from the host,“Japan Association for the 2005 World Exposition”.

In addition, we have sent our“Expo Prep”professionals, in stages, to the site of“Expo Aichi”, for the purpose of on-the-spot training. These exploratory visits are such a privilege for us and through experiencing the World Expo, we are laying the foundations for our own efforts.

To this day we have sent a total of 12 visiting groups, comprised of 268 person from over 24 units of the Shanghai World Expo Executive Committee and 27 other organizations. We have grasped“Expo Aichi’s”methods in managing finance, human resources, security and marketing, as well as having acquired first hand knowledge about the expos preparation, management and operation. We will continue to organise similar exploratory tours to Aichi and try hard to innovate and excel based on our experiences at this site coupled with original characteristics. Through diligent and intelligent work, we are confident of composing a cadenza in the world exposition melody.

Our current attention is focused on planning and arranging activities for the“Shanghai Week”at“Expo Aichi.”

“Shanghai Week”is a crucial part of the China Pavilion event and is to be launched at the final stage of“Expo Aichi.”Since Shanghai is the location for the next world expo,“Shanghai Week”is intended to attract the eyeballs of the world away from Aichi and on to“Expo 2010 Shanghai”. This is to be achieved by means of colorful activities, hence it is marked with a brighter label than any other activities among the whole series of the China Pavilion event.

Being our last show in the current world exposition, naturally,“Shanghai Week”shall reveal us to be an oriental metropolis interwoven with cultures from east to west. In addition it will represent the new image of Shanghai, and express the manner in which both economy and social spheres are being developed in harmony to one another, through inspirational programs and activities. This is intended to further

strengthen the international communities confidence in China and Shanghai being great hosts for the“Shanghai Expo”.

As a matter of fact, all member organizations involved with the Shanghai World Expo Executive Committee, are devoted to

preparing for“Shanghai Week”, with enthusiasm and wisdom.

In addition to the“Third Forum of World Expo 2010 Shanghai”(which underscores“World Expo Versus Sustainable Development”), there are many other deeply enriching activities and forums throughout the duration of“Shanghai Week”. These include the“Display of Sino-Japanese Little Emissaries”, the“China Pavilion Tour”, performances by acrobatics, Peking opera singers and theatre groups and the“Economic and Trade Promotion fair at Nagoya.”

“Shanghai Week”will not only be attended by major Shanghai government officials, but also the BIE President and Secretary General, heads of the“Japan Association for the 2005 World Exposition”, representatives from the 125 participating countries and international organizations.

Here at“Expo Aichi”, we will‘go all out’to portray Shanghai’s image from multiple perspectives, as well as publicizing the full greatness that will be unveiled at the“Expo 2010 Shanghai”.

The closing date of“Shanghai Week”coincides with that of“Expo Aichi”, at which point we will take over the BIE flag from our Japanese counterparts. From then on, the global attention placed on the“World Exposition”will shift to China, focusing on Shanghai. Although today it might appear that we are bearing heavy responsibilities, we go into tomorrow with bravery, led by light.

We are determined and will go all out to make improvements to perfect the“Registration Report”, especially on such contents as the theme projection, venue planning and promotion plan. We are determined to absorb the successful experiences from past expositions. While considering China and Shanghai’s own situation and uniqueness, we will never lose sight of the variety of cultures who will attend the event and the importance of cross cultural understanding and dialogue.

We have hit the ground running and are racing against the clock on order to achieve the goal of being a successful host at the“Expo Shanghai”.