For the first time, people in Taiwan can buy tickets directly for the 2010 Shanghai World Expo instead of going through a third party.

Travel Service Taiwan began selling tickets to the expo today. The event, which runs next year from May through October, showcases innovations from around the world.

Soundbit: Chen Xianjin, Vice director of Shanghai Expo Bureau "Now 232 countries and world organizations will take part in Shanghai Expo 2010. We predict there might be more than 70 million tourists from both China and other countries. It will the biggest expo in its history of 160 years, as the tourists are also numerous."

Organizers expect nearly a million Taiwan citizens to attend the Expo.

(China.org.cn, Xinhua News Agency April 7, 2009)