Preparation for 2010 Shanghai Expo in final stage

BEIJING: Preparations for the World Expo 2010 Shanghai China were going according to plan, and construction of most pavilions was nearly complete, said an official on the executive committee for the event here Monday.

Yang Xiong, Deputy Director of the Executive Committee for Shanghai Expo and also Vice Mayor of Shanghai, made the remarks at a press conference organized in Beijing by the State Council Information Office, just 103 days ahead of the 2010 Shanghai Expo opening, saying the preparation work was in the final stages.

A total of 192 nations and 50 international organizations worldwide have confirmed their participation in the Expo to date. All of the mainland's 31 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities, along with Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan will also participate.

"Meanwhile, more than 220 countries and international organizations have confirmed to join the 'on-line' World Expo, giving users a great Expo experience over the Internet," said Yang.

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According to Yang, 90 percent of the pavilions' construction work was complete. Of the 42 pavilions built by foreign countries, 80 percent had started decorating.

The coordinators were making efforts to enhance all services, ensuring security and food safety, as well as good traffic flow, said Yang. Tourists would be warmly looked after.

Shanghai Expo will run from May 1 to October 31, 2010, and the number of the expected visitors will total 70 million, according to a document posted at the website of the Expo.

As of January 17, more than 18 million tickets had been sold.