Visitors to the 2010 Shanghai World Expo will receive a maximum of 1 billion yuan (US$146.43 million) liability insurance in a single accident at the Expo site from the People's Insurance Company of China.

An official of the country's major insurer and a global partner of the event revealed the amount yesterday as construction began on its Expo pavilion.

The insurance would cover injuries site visitors suffered when the Expo organizer or participants were negligent, said Shen Huili, deputy director of the 2010 Expo Office of the insurer.

For example, if a visitor falls on stairs inside the China Pavilion because they had design flaws, the visitor will be eligible for insurance.

Shen said purchase of the insurance was compulsory for the Expo organizer and participating countries and organizations under a stipulation approved by the country's State Council, or Cabinet.

The insurer has designed new insurance for the Expo, including visitors' injuries from terror attacks, the outbreak of an H1N1 epidemic and losses for cancellation of performances at the site.

The 800-square-meter pavilion will feature four "letter buildings" - PICC, the abbreviation of the company's name.

Each letter will be an exhibition room.

(Shanghai Daily September 17, 2009)