In yesterday’s press briefing on the preparation of Shanghai Expo, Mao Jialiang, Director of Shanghai Urban Planning Bureau, and Huang Yaocheng, Deputy Director of the Bureau of Shanghai Expo Coordination, introduced the latest development of Expo’s preparation and Shanghai’s preservation of local historic cultural features to the press, and answered reporters’ questions. 

Correspondents from nearly 50 news agencies abroad and home were present.

The development of over 20 industries will be sped up in the progress of Expo’s preparation, including infrastructure, tourism, trade, logistics, and exhibition.   Huang forecast that Shanghai’s GDP will grow by 6% after the Expo begins.

“We all wish the positive effects Shanghai Expo produces will last for 60 years, promoting social and economic developments both in Shanghai and in the Yangtze River Delta,” he added.

Mao said the Red Building Line for the Expo has a total area of 5.28 square kilometers. It accentuates the Expo’s  theme of “Better City Better Life”,

“We are carefully managing the functions of the Expo Park, giving deliberate consideration to the Chinese elements, the local environmental features, development of underground space, traffic network, and follow-up uses,” he added.

Mao also said the Shanghai local authority has attached importance to the protection of historic buildings and folk legacy for long, and historic buildings in the Expo Park will be well reserved by all means.

After the briefing, present reporters visited the Pujiang Expo Garden and Expo Park. They are visiting the Yangshan Deep Water Port, East Sea Bridge, and historic sites in Hongkou district.