“City, Better Life,” characterized by three features, will be the theme of this exposition if Shanghai wins the bid. First, the city reflects the spirit of the times. A city is the fruit of human cultivation, and more innovations take place in cities, which serves as hubs of communication and social life. People in constant pursuit of a better life make up a city. With the advent of the new century, urbanization is being accelerated, and cities have already become the focus of attention of politicians, economists and social activists worldwide.

Second, the theme is original, as this will be the first comprehensive world exposition to use the city as a theme. The theme is especially relevant to modern society, as urbanization also brings a variety of problems with it, and all countries therefore face common problems caused as a result of urbanization and modernization.

Finally, the theme is comprehensive and will facilitate participation, as all countries, big or small, developed or underdeveloped, will have their unique achievements to display, and will also be able to learn from other countries.

“As China’s biggest industrial and commercial city, Shanghai is well-qualified and capable of hosting such great international exhibition activities,” said Chen Liangyu, vice-mayor of Shanghai.

Many prestigious enterprises, universities and hospitals in Shanghai expressed their support for the bid, and the Shanghai World Expo Bid Committee has held three preparatory meetings.

If it wins the bid, Shanghai will host the 2010 World Exposition in the World Museum Center of Shanghai, beside Huangpujiang River. The Expo will remain open for six months and is expected to attract approximately 40 million visitors.

The World Exposition is not the same as a trade fair, in which mainly governments and international organizations participate. The World Exposition, on the other hand, displays the achievements and prospects in the economic, cultural and technological sectors, and is an event where people from all over the world come together to exchange experiences and ideas, and learn from one another.

Long known as the “economic, technological and cultural Olympic Games,” the World Exposition is held every five years, and has been held in developed countries since it first took place in London in 1851. If Shanghai wins the bid, China will be the first developing country to host this major event.

“Hosting the exposition will have a positive impact on China, as China will not only learn from the experiences of other countries to further its reform and opening-up endeavor, especially in areas along the Yangtze River, but will also enhance its friendly relations with other countries. Besides, its role as hosting country will by no doubt accelerate the development of world expositions elsewhere, which can only promote worldwide economic, cultural and technological development,” said Wang Guangya, vice-minister of foreign affairs.

(Xinhua News Agency November 1, 2001)