Coca-Cola yesterday signed a global partnership agreement with the Expo Bureau, becoming the first international company to sponsor both the Beijing Olympics and World Expo 2010 in Shanghai.

Shanghai Expo Director Hong Hao and Coca-Cola President of China Doug Jackson signed the agreement.

Shanghai Vice Mayor Yang Xiong addressed the signing ceremony and emphasized that the successful preparation and organization of World Expo 2010 would not be possible without the support from all walks of life, especially from the business circle.

"The participation of Coca-Cola further adds to the number of enterprises that sponsored Expo 2010," Yang said. "It also symbolizes the friendship between China and the US."

Yang also said the participation of Coca-Cola will inject more vigor and power into the Expo. 

Jackson said Shanghai Expo is an exciting event and will give Coca-Cola an opportunity to perform well in China's vast market. The company will provide soft drinks and other beverages for the expected 70 million visitors of the Expo. It's a great opportunity.

Other global partners for Expo 2010 include China Eastern Airlines, China Mobile, China Telecom, Bank of Communications, SAIC&GM, Siemens.

A global partner is the highest form of sponsorship a company can make at Expo 2010.