Firstly,the bid theme.Shanghai’s bid theme was “Better City,Better Life”.The theme of “City” had never been adopted in the 152-year history of World Expo and it also fits in well with the phenomenon of urbanization that accompanies the global economy integration now occurring.Urbanization is a result of human civilization,but it can also generate serious problems.On one hand,we must recognize that urbanization is an irreversible phenomenon because according to UN estimates,by 2020,65% of the world’s population will live in cities.On the other hand,we must also actively seek solutions to the problems brought out about by urbanization.World Expo Shanghai will provide a forum for studying and discussing global urbanization
Secondly,World Expo’s site selection.The site selected for Expo Shanghai has combined industrial redevelopment,environmental management and improving people standard of living and housing conditions.It incorporates creative and original ideas and this is in itself the best reflection of the theme of cities.
Thirdly,strong public support.Throughout the course of the World Expo bid,private-sector organizations carried out a large number of public opinion polls and additionally,the world renowned Gallup was also invited to carry out a worldwide public opinion survey of Chinese people.The findings reveal that the rate of support of the Chinese public for World Expo exceeds 90%.
Fourthly,the central government has provided full financial guarantees.The infrastructure and venue construction for World Expo 2010 will require a total direct government investment of US$3 billion and the Central government has pledged its full support.
Fifthly,the Chinese government has set up a special US$100 million special fund to be used to facilitate the participation of developing countries coming to the World Expo in China.Our position is that no developing country should be marginalized at an international pageant like World Expo.As a developing country,China is deeply aware of the need of developing countries to display themselves and we should provide them with a platform to carry out exchange with developed countries on a basis of equality.
Sixthly,China has the confidence and ability to set two new records in the history of World Expo - the greatest number of visitors and the greatest number of participating nations and international organizations.
Seventhly,the Chinese government has formulated a complete series of follow-on usage plans for the related venues.In planning international events such as the Olympic Games,World Expo,and World Cup,the most difficult problem is how to make proper follow-on use of venues.In our bid,we proposed the reconstruction of the pavilions into international economic,cultural,technological and exchange centers after the end of World Expo.This is a groundbreaking idea.
