Zhong Yanqun, standing deputy director of the World Expo 2010 Shanghai Executive Committee, makes a speech at the opening ceremony of the first participants meeting.

The World Expo theme is the soul of the event and Shanghai today invited all countries taking part in the 2010 World Expo to concentrate on developing the theme of "Better City, Better Life".

The invitation was contained in the speech of Zhong Yanqun, standing deputy director of the World Expo 2010 Shanghai Executive Committee, in the first participants meeting.

Zhong said: "The theme of 'Better City, Better Life' defines the core, content and form of the Expo and it will also determine whether visitors and participants have a good experience when they attend the event."

She added that the theme's concept should not only be seen in exhibitions, forums, activities and services but should also penetrate into the preparatory work for the Expo, such as choosing the site, the planning the construction work for the Expo and promotion and marketing activities.

"Theme development should become more detailed and deeper," Zhong said, "World Expos are a communication platform for the world. We hope all the participants highlight their own characteristics with a fully developed theme."

Zhong said the organisers of the event would do their best to help participants develop their own individual ideas on the theme. She also said she hoped that the efforts of the participants and the organisers would produce a splendid Expo.

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