The French Exhibition Bureau (FEB) launched a promotion meeting on Wednesday to introduce France's preparation for the Shanghai World Expo, which opens on May 1.

It's still 100 days away from the opening, and China has already shown excellent organizational ability by helping France during its preparation for the exhibition, the FEB's President Jose Freches said in his keynote speech.

France is making its final spurt for the Expo, but the promotion meeting was not only for the French Pavilion but also for the Shanghai Expo as a whole, Freches stressed.

The President of the International Exhibitions Bureau (BIE), Jean-Pierre Lafon, also applauded China's efforts, saying BIE was pleased to choose Shanghai as the host city.

The expo, regarded as a get-together of cities, provides a wonderful global platform for exchanging experiences in city development, Lafon added.

Pierre Cardin, the world-renowned fashion designer, was also present. The designer said that when he started his adventure in China in 1976, he already sensed back then that China would be a strong political force -- that has now become reality.

Invited to participate in the expo along with French President Nicolas Sarkozy, Cardin said the expo would help those with little knowledge about China comprehend its great contribution to the world.

According to the FEB, France's Pavilion will show various French art styles -- from modern art works like "Homage to Mornet" by French Chinese painter Zao Wou-Ki to classic works by artists from 19th-century France, such as Jean-Francois Millet and Vincent Van Gogh.

The French actor Alain Delon, image ambassador for France's expo pavilion, said he is honored to have been selected for the job and would like to learn more about Chinese culture.

Besides artwork, romance and the dainty will also figure greatly in the French Pavilion, known as the "Sensual City," its architect Jacques Ferrier told Xinhua.

French sponsors, designers and other social celebrities also expressed their wishes and confidence for a successful exhibition.

France has hosted seven World Expos since the first one was launched in 1855. It holds the record for holding the greatest number of world expos and is among the first nations to have confirmed its participation in the 2010 Shanghai World Expo.

With its theme of "Better City -- Better Life," the Shanghai World Expo will be held from May 1 to October 31 on a site covering 5.28 square km. Around 70 million visitors are expected to enjoy this grand event.

(Xinhua News Agency January 21, 2010)