the scene of the meeting

Zhou Hanmin at the opening ceremony

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Shanghai today opened the First Participants Meeting for the 2010 World Expo, a gathering of more than 300 representatives from 127 countries.

"We can establish, as soon as possible, an interactive and effective working system for preparing the Expo," said Shanghai Vice Mayor Yang Xiong who is also executive deputy director of the Executive Committee of the World Expo 2010 Shanghai.

So far, 94 countries and international organizations have confirmed their participations in World Expo 2010 Shanghai, which is a great encouragement to organizers, Yang said.

"We believe, with the strong supports and participations of the governments, international organizations and corporations, World Expo 2010 Shanghai will definitely be successful, splendid and unforgettable," Yang said.

The meeting will hear reports on the master plan, construction of pavilions, tax breaks for participants and aid funds for poorer countries wishing to take part.

Included in the meeting are representatives of 51 countries that have not yet confirmed their participation in the Expo but are considering taking part.

In past years, the First Participants Meeting has been held two years before an Expo opens but Shanghai is holding its meeting three and a half years ahead of the opening of the Expo because of the great international interest shown in the event.

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