Shanghai will put preparations for the World Expo 2010 at the top of its agenda this year, said Shanghai Mayor Han Zheng on March 22 when he met Vicente Loscertales, the secretary general of the International Exhibitions Bureau (BIE).

Han promised that Shanghai would go all out and make good use of all its resources to prepare for the event under the leadership of the Expo's organizing committee and with the support of relevant government departments. Han is also the deputy chairman of the organising committee.

"This year is crucial for the preparation of the World Expo 2010 Shanghai and programs, such as participants' pavilions, theme development and site construction, have entered into a substantive phase." said Han.

Han also expressed his gratitude to Loscertales for his support in the preparation of the World Expo 2010 Shanghai and hoped the BIE and Loscertales could continue to provide guidance.

Shanghai made great progress in its Expo preparations last year. It unveiled a master plan for the Expo preparation work and a detailed timetable. Also, it allocated a team of talents to the Bureau of Shanghai World Expo Coordination.

The organizers will soon submit a series of special regulations for the BIE's approval. The regulations are expected to accelerate the pace of the preparation work.

Loscertales said he was satisfied with Shanghai's efforts. He praised the current development of the Expo theme "Better City, Better Life" and the enlarged organising system.

"I can feel the importance attached to the Expo by the Shanghai government and the enthusiasm of the Shanghai people," said Loscertales. "I hope the developed theme can be realised in the construction of the pavilions and the bureau can attract more professionals to join in."

Loscertales added that the BIE would make great efforts to assist Shanghai in the preparation of the Expo.

During his three-day visit, Loscertales had discussions with the organizers on other topics, including the organising framework, theme development, the Best Practice Region, monitoring system in the World Expo Site, online Expo and the Fifth Forum on World Expo 2010 Shanghai.

Vice Mayor Yang Xiong also attended meeting.