Expo to fuel Shanghai's success: Officials
( 2002-12-06 10:46 ) (1 )

This port city will carefully plan its future development to live up to its "Better City, Better Life" motto for the 2010 World Expo, municipal officials said at a celebration ceremony held Thursday.

"Our success demonstrates that China is well recognized by the world, and Shanghai has the overall competence to host such an event, a result of the efforts of the people of China and friends to our country," said Chinese State Councillor Wu Yi.

As the world's largest developing country, China's success in winning the World Expo bid "adds a distinctive page to the history of the event," which had only chosen developed countries since it debuted in London five decades ago, she added.

"China and especially Shanghai will spare no efforts to prepare for the event and fulfill all the promises made to international communities," she said.

As Expo hosts, China will have more economic co-operation with other countries which is in line with the modernization goals set by the 16th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, she added.

Shanghai Mayor Chen Liangyu was also exuberant, saying that Shanghai will strive to have more opportunities for developing countries at the Expo.

China has promised to allocate a special fund of US$100 million to help developing countries participate in the Expo.

"We will keep our word," Chen said.

The Expo will help economic and technological innovation and reform, which will only benefit the growth of the country, he added.

Residents also expressed their happiness for Shanghai's success and their determination to contribute to preparations.

"I am very fortunate to witness the success of Shanghai. I firmly believe the city will become even better in the next eight years," said Liu Qingsi, a retired journalist from the Wenhui Daily in his 80s. Liu said he looks forward to watching the grand event and helping the city get ready for it.

At the other end of the age spectrum, Zuo Chun, a student at Qingyun Middle School, said she hopes to be a volunteer at the World Expo when it opens in eight years.

"Grandpa Li, could you please recruit me then?" Zuo jokingly asked, referring to Vice-Premier Li Lanqing.