Chinese premier says 2010 World Expo chance for China, world

BEIJING, Nov. 12 (Xinhua) -- The 2010 World Expo to be held in China is a chance both for the country and the world, said Premier Wen Jiabao at an international forum of the Shanghai Expo held here Thursday.

The forum, with the theme of "collecting global wisdom, jointly creating cities' future," is of great significance to enriching the meaning of the 2010 World Expo and promoting its success, Wen said.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao addresses the opening ceremony of  the 7th World Expo 2010 Shanghai China Forum in Beijing,  capital of China, Nov. 12, 2009.(Xinhua/Zhang Duo)

The premier said the Chinese expressed the wish to hold the World Expo in the country more than a century ago, but realized the dream only after the founding of New China and 30 years of rapid progress during the reform and opening-up drive.

To be held in the most populous developing nation in the world, the World Expo fully shows its strong vitality, Wen noted. He said China would continue to go all out for the event's preparations.

Wen also briefed on China's reaction on the global financial crisis and current economic situation.

China has been active and responsible in coping with the global economic recession by earnestly dealing with its own business and comprehensively participating in international cooperation, Wen said.

China has always been paying great attention to comprehensive, coordinated and sustainable development and sticking to the expansion of domestic demand, especially consumption, as a foothold during the process of economic stimulus, Wen said.