Shanghai's major preparations are well underway, with just 103 days to go before the 2010 World Expo. At a press conference held by the State Council Information Office this morning, officials from Shanghai said they're confident the expo will be a success.

Shanghai Executive Vice Mayor Yang Xiong says preparation work has been progressing smoothly, with support and participation from both home and abroad.

President Hu Jintao's visit to the Expo site on Friday also encouraged organizers, workers and participants.

Plans are well on target as the 100-day countdown approaches. The installation of exhibition stands will be finished in late March. It started as soon as the five permanent buildings and 100 pavilions were ready.

Yang Xiong, Shanghai executive vice mayor, said, "So far 192 countries and 50 international organizations have confirmed participation in the event, together with 31 domestic provinces, autonomous regions, Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions as well as Taiwan island. More than 80 percent of the 42 self-built foreign pavilions have started interior decoration and exhibition arrangement. 11 joint pavilions have been completed."

Officials are facing some management challenges, with the sheer number of people, a long exhibition period, unpredictable weather and an uneven flow of visitors.

Still, they promise to stick to the Expo's guidelines, "putting people first", and offering "a peaceful, safe and pleasant Expo".

Yang Xiong said, "We have drawn experience from the 2005 Aichi Expo. To ensure a pleasant experience for the estimated 70 million visitors, we have increased many facilities. For example, in the dining area for every 1,000 people is 240 square meters. That's more than twice of that in 2005 Aichi Expo. And we planned sun shades to cover 40 percent of the total expo site for visitors to shelter from the hot weather in July and August. We have also increased the number of toilets and access to water."

Planning for events, ticket sales, promotion, security and transport is well underway, as well as recruiting volunteers. Officials say no efforts will be spared to ensure quality service during the event.

Organizers believe that with the support of the Chinese people, especially the contributions of Shanghai officials and residents, the 2010 Expo will be successful and unforgettable.

(CCTV January 19, 2010)