Pavilions spend big money on safety insurance

SHANGHAI - Participants and organizers of Expo 2010 Shanghai are spending big money on insurance premiums to ensure the safety of their exhibits and pavilions during the 184-day event.

The Egypt Pavilion paid a premium of $66 million for its eight ancient Egyptian artifacts, including a gold broad collar, said to protect mummies, that dates back to 1550-1525 BC.

The French Pavilion features seven of the country's most renowned paintings and sculptures. Five of the pieces are each insured for more than 100 million yuan ($14.6 million), according to officials at the pavilion.