The Shanghai government will take several concrete steps over the next few weeks to prepare for the World Expo in 2010, including hosting an international forum with past organizers.

On October 30 and 31, the local government and the Bureau of International Expositions will for the first time host an international forum on World Expositions in the city, government spokeswoman Jiao Yang announced yesterday.

"Shanghai is collecting experience from home and abroad to host a successful World Exposition," Jiao said.

The city expects 230 people to attend the forum, including representatives from the BIE members and BIE officials.

Jiao also announced yesterday that the city has set up the Shanghai World Exposition Bureau to replace the city's existing World Expo 2010 Shanghai Executive Office and would be responsible for establishing a cooperation center and land reserve center.

The cooperation center would be responsible for Expo buildings construction, ticket sales, promotions and logistics assistance, while the land reserve center would requisition, reserve and develop land for the Expo, said Jiao.

Mayor Han Zhen will also make the Expo the focus of his annual meeting with leaders from large multinational companies that have invested in the city. The 15th International Business Leaders' Advisory Council for the Mayor of Shanghai, which is scheduled for November 2, will discuss how to host a successful World Exposition.

(eastday.com October 23, 2003)