"On behalf of President Jiang Zemin and Premier Zhu Rongji, I hereby reaffirm that the Chinese government stands firmly behind Shanghai in its bid to host World Expo 2010," said Wu, head of the Chinese bidding committee in her presentation to the BIE.

"The Chinese economy has been growing rapidly for over 10 yearsand is expected to continue to grow in the years to come. The enormous business opportunities in China will increase the dynamics of World Expo and benefit all participants," said Wu.

"Broad-based public support is key to a successful Expo. With 1.3 billion people behind the bid, the Shanghai Expo will have the highest rate of public support in the world," she said.

"Holding the World Expo in China, the largest developing country in the world, reflects BIE's principle of universality," she added.

The Chinese Government and people are confident about hosting a successful World Expo, Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan said on Monday.

"Our growing economy provides strong financial support, our stable society assures a good environment and the firm support from the government further guarantees a successful Expo," Tang said at a joint news conference by the Chinese Expo Bidding Committee and BIE.

"The World Exposition is an occasion for people worldwide to show their achievements in economic development, trade, science technology and culture and to enhance understanding and co-operation among all nations," the Chinese foreign minister said.

Chen Liangyu, mayor of Shanghai, said the city, China's most dynamic international metropolis and avant-guard of multi-cultural exchanges, will deliver a splendid exposition in 2010.

"Experts estimate the attendance will be 70 million, which would be the largest participation in the history of the World Expo," he said.

"The Chinese business community pledges full support and assistance to Shanghai's bid for World Expo 2010," said Chairman of Chinese Trade Promotion Committee Yu Xiaosong, also a member of the Chinese bidding committee. "To host World Expo in 2010 will not only promote the economic development of Shanghai and China as a whole, but also offer great opportunities for participating countries and regions to enter the Chinese market.

"A gallop opinion poll showed that 90 per cent of Chinese people and 93 per cent of Shanghai residents are willing to host the Expo."

Apart from Shanghai, Moscow, Mexico City, Poland's Wroclow and South Korea's Yeoso have also bid for the World Expo 2010. The five cities were expected Tuesday to present their plans for hosting the Expo to the General Assembly of the BIE.

(People's Daily July 3, 2002)