Preparation work for the Shanghai World Expo is moving forward smoothly, Chinese Vice Premier Wang Qishan told President of the Bureau of International Expositions (BIE) Jean Pierre Lafon on Wednesday.

During a meeting with Lafon, Wang said the Chinese government attaches importance to the World Expo in Shanghai and will follow its theme of "better city, better life" to run a successful and memorable expo.

He pledged to keep close contact with the BIE and attendants of the expo to ensure the preparation work goes smoothly.

V.G. Loscertales, BIE secretary-general, was also present during the meeting.

The Shanghai Expo will be held in 2010.

(Xinhua News Agency November 13, 2008)