So far, 239 countries and international organizations have confirmed they will take part in the 2010 World Expo in Shanghai, with nearly 100 pavilions expected to accommodate the participants.

If all goes to plan, display areas will be ready by the end of the year. Meanwhile, 31 Chinese provinces and regions, as well as Hong Kong and Macao, have completed their respective designs, and will begin decorating work in November. By March 2010, all venues are scheduled to begin their trial runs.

(CCTV July 2, 2009)