scene of the meeting

words by FM for Expo 2010: "Good luck for Expo 2010. Australia will have a magnificent pavilion."

The delegation visit the exhibition hall in the Expo Mansion.

The design of the Australia Pavilion for World Expo 2010 Shanghai was now open for bids from architects, Alexander Downer, Australia's Minister for Foreign Affairs said during his meeting with top Expo officials yesterday.

Downer also confirmed the location of the Australia Pavilion near the theme pavilion in the Expo Site.

Zhong Yanqun, full-time deputy director of the World Expo 2010 Shanghai Executive Committee told Downer he hoped Australia would appoint a commissioner-general for the World Expo and sign the participation contract soon. The organisers would hand over the land for the construction of the pavilion in November.

Downer said he appreciated the organisers' detailed preparatory work for the event. He said Australia would showcase high-tech items in its pavilion and attract the visitors with interacting displays.

Accompanied by Zhong, Downer had a bird's eye view of the Expo Site atop the Expo Mansion after the meeting.