"Our growing economy provides strong financial support, our stable society assures good environment and the firm support from the government further guarantees a successful Expo," said Tang at a joint press conference held by the Chinese Expo Bidding Committee and the International Exposition Bureau (BIE in French).

"The World Exposition is an occasion for people all over the world to show their achievements in economy, trade, scien-technology and culture and to enhance understanding and cooperation among all nations," said the Chinese foreign minister.

Mayor of Shanghai Chen Liangyu told reporters that Shanghai, as China's most dynamic international metropolis and avant-guard of multi-cultural exchanges, will deliver a splendid exposition in 2010.

"Experts estimated the attendance at the World Expo 2010 in Shanghai to be 70 million, which would be a widest participation in the history of World Expo," he said.

"The Chinese business community pledges full support and assistance to Shanghai's bidding for World Expo 2010," said Chairman of Chinese Trade Promotion Committee Yu Xiaosong, who was also member of the Chinese bidding committee.

"To host World Expo in 2010 will not only promote the economic development of Shanghai and China as a whole, but also offer great opportunities for the participating countries and regions to enter the Chinese market and conduct cooperation," said Yu.

"A gallop opinion poll showed that 90 percent of the Chinese people and 93 percent of residents in Shanghai are willing to host World Expo 2010 in Shanghai," said Yu when asked about popular attitude in China towards Shanghai's bid.

Apart from Shanghai, Moscow, Mexico City, Poland's Wroclow and South Korea' s Yeoso also bid for the World Expo 2010. On Tuesday, the five cities will present their plans for hosting the 2010 World Exposition to the 131st general assembly of the BIE.

(Xinhua News Agency July 2, 2002)