Shanghai is the host city for the 2010 World Exposition, which is taking place from 1 May to 31 October 2010
The theme of the Expo is Better City, Better Life and it aims to showcase opportunities for people around the world to live a better life in the urban environments of the future.
The hosting of the Expo confirms Shanghai's status as a major cultural and economic centre on a global stage.
Approximately 70 million visitors are expected to attend the Expo and more than 200 participants, comprising countries, cities, businesses and international organisations, will forge new relationships and strengthen existing ones within the world's current and emerging markets.
London's presence at the Expo is being co-ordinated by the London Development Agency (LDA).
Promoting London
The UK's capital city is promoting examples of creativity and innovation, alongside initiatives that are developing London's credentials in the low-carbon economy.
These factors are essential to achieve a better future and a better life, reflecting the Expo's theme.
London's objectives for participating at the Expo are:
to position London as a thought leader on the urban agenda and public realm
to highlight the benefits provided by the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games in its legacy, focusing on the regeneration that will catalyse east London
to promote London as the next Olympic host city delivering the greenest games ever
to promote London as the place to invest, study, trade and exchange best practice on the urban agenda.
By attending the Expo, we also hope to build on our special relationship with Shanghai.
We have been growing city to city links with Shanghai and Beijing, and participating in the Expo will give us the opportunity to reinforce our commitment to these important relationships.
We aim to forge links with Higher Education Institutions and key investors from creative, financial and green sectors.
We are also focusing on attracting inward investment and developing trading opportunities for the capital's businesses, while maximising showcase opportunities for the city.
London's exhibition
The exhibition for London will feature in the ZedPavilion, which is in the Urban Best Practice Area. The exhibition, called London, the Low Carbon Capital, showcases the creativity and enterprise symbolised by the city. It will focus on:
urban design in a global city
London's leadership in the low-carbon economy, a green economy and low-carbon sustainability within a major city
the long-term benefits of hosting the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
It is a great opportunity for London to demonstrate low-carbon sustainability within a major city and our plans to boost the market for green products, services and jobs.
In doing so, we aspire to combat the effects of climate change without compromising our impact in the business world and our quality of life.