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Shanghai Bids for World Expo 2010
Shanghai is stepping up its preparations to bid for the World Expo 2010.
World Expo is the "Olympic Games" of the economy, showing the strength of a country in terms of its business sector, culture and science.
They are divided into two kinds, comprehensive ones which are on a larger scale, and more specialized ones.
They can bring about real changes to a nation's economy and infrastructure, according to Shanghai Mayor Xu Kuangdi.
That's the reason why every city wants it and why competition for it is so fierce. South Korea, Argentina and Poland are also seeking to host World Expo 2010.
Shanghai put in its application last year to the Bureau of International Exhibitions (BIE), which runs World Expo.
The rules say only members of the BIE have the right to hold the Expo, and they should put forward applications nine years before the session they bid for. China became one of its 88 member countries in 1993.
Shanghai is preparing its bidding plan which should be handed in to the BIE next year.
Theme and choice of places are two key elements to the plan, Xu said. BIE hopes that World Expo can be carried out in underdeveloped areas with development potential, so the Expo can boost the economy and infrastructure.
The local government has chosen Zhangjiang and Sunqiao areas in Pudong, which have about 2,000 square metres, to host the Expo. Although the exact theme hasn't been decided, it will be related to the environment and living standards.
BIE will announce its final decision in 2002 after its members vote.
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