The success of the Shanghai 2010 World Expo will serve as a strategic launch pad for the promotion of the Milan Expo, to be held in 2015, an Italian top organizing official said Monday.

"Shanghai Expo's role as a bridge for the Milan exhibition in attracting international media attention is crucial," Milan Expo 2015 organizing committee CEO Lucio Stanca told Xinhua.

The link is not only in time, but also in the leading themes of the two expos, Stanca said.

"Milan Expo's theme is 'Feeding the planet, energy for life', quite connected to Shanghai's 'Better City, Better Life' in its being of global interest," he said.

Stanca stressed his committee would be in the Italian pavilion at the Shanghai Expo during the whole event, and would give each visitor leaving the pavilion the message "see you soon in Milan".

An information booth that advertises the 2015 Milan Expo will be set up in the Italian pavilion, and various initiatives are planned to show the glamor of the city.

Milan's attributes are set to become among Shanghai Expo's leading attractions, including performances by La Scala Opera House and world-famous Italian ballet dancer Roberto Bolle and a fashion show featuring Milan's major international stylists.

"Participating in Shanghai Expo represents a unique chance to pave the way for the 2015 Expo. It's a sort of relay race between Shanghai and Milan and this is why we need to make the best out of this," Stanca said.

He said it was important to have the first-hand experience in Shanghai. "I was there last week and I will come back for the opening ceremony in May. It's important for Milan to learn from the Chinese authorities and acquire their know-how."

The CEO noted the strategic importance of hosting the exposition in 2015 would not only mean promotion for Milan, the Lombardy region and northern Italy, but for Italy as a whole, both for commercial and tourist opportunities.

"A positive turn-out for Milan's international image is expected and it's an opportunity to boost commercial relations and local economic development," he said.

Milan was a city with great personality and appeal, thanks to its cultural, historical and industrial excellence, Stanca said, adding that it was not only the town where genius Leonardo Da Vinci lived, but also the economic and financial capital of Italy.

And with breathtaking natural scenery like Como lake, Milan had enough to attract visitors from all over the world, especially the Chinese.

"We look forward to hosting the Chinese pavilion and visitors, and we expect China to be one of the most important participating guests. We have a particular interest in China as one of the world's leading global powers," he said.

Stanca said preparations were already underway in Milan. The city was expecting 20 million visitors. "Nothing compared to those of Shanghai but impressive for Europe," he said.

The Expo is also an opportunity for Milan to upgrade its highway and public transportation system. The site for the exposition will be in a strategic peripheral area, close to the fair district and the international airport.

The plan for the 2015 expo will be presented to the International Expositions Bureau by the end of this month. Italians will start the first phase of construction once the plan is approved.

(Xinhua April 8, 2010)

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