Shanghai 2010 World Expo is an international event where companies from across the globe would participate. But that doesn't mean those from within the country are not welcome, Vice Director of Shanghai Expo Group Zhu Yonglei said yesterday.

Denying allegations that Shanghai was monopolizing the event, Zhu said the Expo was a national event in which the entire country's participation was needed because it would benefit more than just the city.

"We are going to invite bids from companies at home and abroad for the construction of some key projects," he said.

"Many cities in Zhejiang and Jiangsu provinces have showed interest in taking part in the expo." Since China sent out invitations last March, 120 economies and international organizations have signed up for participation, Zhu said.

Later this year, the city's World Expo bureau will start enlisting participant and enterprise exhibitors from around the country.

China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) Secretary-General Wang Jinzhen said municipal, provincial and national participants would share one or several halls. CCPIT is a member of Shanghai 2010 World Expo Organization Committee.

Zhu said exhibitors would be able to display their products, publicize their cities and cultures while participating in forums and other programs, which would add up to more than 20,000 during the 184-day expo. "As the host, we will try our best to serve every exhibitor and visitor."

Apart from providing a display stage, the expo will build infrastructures that will benefit nearby cities and strengthen the cooperation between Shanghai and the participating cities.

"We are going to not only improve the infrastructure in Shanghai, but also those connecting it to other cities," Zhu said. "Hopefully, the construction of a high-speed railway link between Beijing and Shanghai will begin this year, and the capacity of the city's airports and metros will be increased.

"A high-speed train to run between Shanghai and Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, is being designed at the moment," he said

Preparatory works for the expo are going smoothly because of the Shanghai government's concern and support of the central government and the Bureau of International Expositions (BIE). Countries that previously hosted the expo have praised the progress and quality of work.

"Construction of exhibition facilities will start later this year, and we'll hold more promotions in the country and abroad," Zhu said.

After winning the bid to host the 2010 World Expo, Shanghai has allocated 5.28 million square meters for the event.

(China Daily March 14, 2007)