Italy is planning to start its participation contract negotiation with the organisers of the World Expo 2010 and to decide the location and construction plan of its national pavilion.

Riccardo Sessa, the newly commissioned Italian consul general in China, expressed his eagerness to participate in the event today when meeting Zhong Yanqun, standing deputy director of the World Expo 2010 Shanghai Executive Committee.

The Italian government will soon appoint a commissioner general for the Expo and start its first contract negotiation with the Bureau of Shanghai World Expo Coordination, said Sessa.

Italy has chosen a 6,000-square-meter plot, the biggest type, for its self-constructed and self-designed pavilion. The location and details will be further discussed and released later.

Hong Hao Meets China's Meteorological Officials to Discuss Expo Weather

Hong Hao, director general of the Bureau of Shanghai World Expo Coordination, met today with Xu Xiaofeng, deputy administrator of China Meteorological Administration, to exchange views on the establishment of an early warning system for multiple disasters in Shanghai.