Shanghai lawmakers attending the annual session of the National People's Congress (NPC) on Monday expressed their support to the city's bid to host the 2010 World Exposition.
All the NPC deputies from Shanghai, together with staff members of the Shanghai delegation to the NPC session, signed on a banner in support of the bid.
They said they felt greatly encouraged by Premier Zhu Rongji's statement in his government work report to the NPC, in which he said the Chinese government will support Shanghai's bidding efforts.
Hu Wei, head of the Shanghai Pudong New District government, said Shanghai's bid marks a major step forward China has taken to open wider to the outside world after it joins the World Trade Organization, and will serve as a strong impetus to the city's ambition to become an international financial, trade and shipping center.
Shanghai's successful hosting of the APEC meetings last year has shown the world its charm as a window of China's reform and opening up drive. The success in the bidding will bring great economic and social benefits to Shanghai and the whole country,said Hu, who is personally involved in Shanghai's bidding for the exposition.
"We will spare no efforts in the bid. Though six countries are contending with us, we have full confidence in our bid. It's the first time for a developing country to offer such a bid. China deserves a historic opportunity," he added.
He noted that the Shanghai municipal government has attached great importance to the bid, which has also won support from the local residents and people all over the country.
Li Kuinan, another NPC deputy from Shanghai, said "the hosting of the exposition is the best way to introduce China to the world." Shanghai residents are aware of the special significance that the event will bring them a more promising life.
"Everyone of us is duty-bound to make it a success," she said. "I wish it can be a good opportunity for Shanghai to open wider to the outside world and achieve faster development."
(Xinhua News Agency March 12, 2002)
