Expo countdown

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Expo countdown

(China Daily)
Updated: 2009-10-14 07:59

Shanghai has only 200 days by yesterday to keep its solemn promise of "Better City, Better Life" when the World Expo is unveiled along the city's Huangpu River bank next May. It is a festival that Shanghai and the whole nation have been looking forward to since the city was selected to host the event on Dec 3, 2002.

After more than six years of preparation, Shanghai has achieved a great leap forward in almost every aspect. The city's subway system has been extending to every part of the city, with the total length to exceed 400 km next May and 500 km two years later. Meanwhile, clean and fuel-efficient buses have hit the road, replacing old ones that spewed black smoke on the city's streets.

All these have not only alleviated the traffic jams Shanghai has been suffering for the past decades, but also helped improve the air and living environment for its 19 million residents.

Shanghai has set stricter environmental standards for both foreign investment and local manufacturers. The city has built many parks over the years, and spent more effort in preserving and protecting historical houses and cultural heritages. Social welfare has been given to more underprivileged citizens and migrant workers and their children.

As Shanghai revs up the facelift work ahead of the world extravaganza, streets are cleaner, and so are the many old buildings that have not been taken care of for too long.

Shanghai's preparation is certainly not limited to infrastructure and hardware. People, from home and abroad, have shown great zeal in working as Expo volunteers. At the same time, local residents have also been talking about how to present the best of the city to the rest of the world. Ongoing campaigns are teaching people how to behave during the six-month fair.

Participating countries and international organizations, which now number 242, have also shown their great support for the Expo despite the global economic downturn. Iceland, which was ravaged by the crisis, did not back out. The United States pavilion, which broke ground only 80 days ago, will be roofed today.

While Shanghai tries to outdo Beijing, which hosted a splendid Olympics a year ago, the Expo is really a significant event for the whole country and the world.

It will be another great occasion for the rest of the world to better understand our country, which just celebrated the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic and three decades of reform and opening up. It will also be a great time for the Chinese to better understand the rest of the world.

With its fascinating modern history, phenomenal progress in the last 20 years and aspiration to become an international financial and shipping hub, Shanghai is well positioned to host the event.

However, the task is not going to be easy. Shanghai must continue its good work in the remaining days in order to present a splendid and unforgettable Expo.

(China Daily 10/14/2009 page8)