World Expo to start trial operation on April 20

The Shanghai World Expo will begin trial operations on April the 20th with the participation of about 70 percent of the pavilions.

In previous World Expos, 10 to 20 percent of pavilions failed to open on schedule. But this year's organizer said such a situation will not happen in Shanghai. The six month expo will draw 70 million visitors and participation of over 240 countries and international organizations.

To date, a total of 242 countries and international organizations have confirmed their participation in the Expo, and 13,000 journalists from around the world have applied for covering the event.