scene of the signing ceremony

scene of the signing ceremony

Shanghai's Executive Vice Mayor Yang Xiong

The Spanish cities of Bilbao, Santiago and Zaragoza all signed contracts yesterday to participate in the Urban Best Practices Area at World Expo 2010 Shanghai.

The cities will showcase their practice of blending tradition and history with a sustainable and livable lifestyle in modern society.

Shanghai Executive Vice Mayor Yang Xiong said at the signing ceremony in Zaragoza the fact that six cases from Spain had been chosen to exhibit in the UBPA zone illustrated the country's success in urban construction and sustainable development.

Expo organizers said they hoped these proposals would help the world learn more about the urban development of the country, said Yang.

Six cases from five Spanish cities are eligible to exhibit at the UBPA section among 113 projects submitted by cities worldwide, making Spain the country with the most cases selected except host nation China.

The three cases are entitled "Santiago de Compostela: A historic city as a model for the future," "Bilbao: Project of Leadership in Urban Strategy" and "Urban development and environmental sustainability for 10,000 subsidized houses."