The flag of the International Exhibition Bureau (BIE) was hoisted and its anthem played Friday evening at the opening ceremony of the 2010 World Expo in Shanghai, China's financial hub.

Founded in 1928 in France, the BIE is an intergovernmental body overseeing the organization of World Expos.

Chinese President Hu Jintao and other senior officials as well as foreign state leaders attended the ceremony.

The Shanghai World Expo is scheduled to last for six months from May 1 to Oct. 31, 2010.

(Xinhua News Agency April 30, 2010)