China's State Council, or cabinet, calls for perfect preparation of 2010 Shanghai World Expo, saying it would be significant for the boost of market confidence, the promotion of international communication in economy, technology and culture.

An executive meeting chaired by Premier Wen Jiabao on Wednesday said the year 2009 is a very important time for the preparation of Shanghai expo. The organizer should strengthen the service for international exhibitors, and speed up the building of venues and other related facilities.

Operation preparations including security, transportation and telecommunication services should be completed this year, and the use of latest scientific innovations should be incorporated in the building, operation and exhibition of the Shanghai expo, it said.

A total of 185 countries and 46 international organizations, include the European Union (EU) and its 27 member states, have confirmed their participation in the event to date.

The expo, running from May 1 to Oct. 31, 2010, will feature five theme pavilions -- "Urbanian," "City as a Form of Life," "Urban Planet," "Urban Future" and "Urban Culture."

An estimated 70 million visitors are expected to attend the 184-day expo with the theme of "Better city, better life."

(Xinhua News Agency February 12, 2009)