The United Kingdom plans to invest between 10 million pounds (US$19.55 million) and 12 million pounds in its participation in World Expo 2010 Shanghai, visiting British officials said on Saturday.

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown formally handed over the UK's Shanghai Expo 2010 participation document to Shanghai Mayor Han Zheng that day - marking Britain's official acceptance of the invitation to take part in the Expo.

He said visitors to the 2010 World Expo might be amazed by the innovative and attractive design of the British Pavilion.

"The grand event provides a unique opportunity for us to share aspiration, knowledge and experience," said John Dennis, project director for the British participation in the World Expo. "We will present an iconic UK Pavilion."

The design of the UK Pavilion, unveiled last November, was among the four most-anticipated attractions of the event, according to an online survey at the time.

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown (center) shares a light moment against the design of the UK Pavilion for World Expo 2010 on Saturday.

Designed by Heatherwick Studio, the pavilion is in the shape of a big cube with thousands of spines that hover in the air. The spines swing in the breeze and are tipped with tiny, colored lights that display various images.

"It is utterly original and shows our boldness to offer a Britain with creativity, diversity and innovation," said Dennis.

The pavilion will become a symbol of the UK's commitment to sustainable urban development as it will be built from materials that are recyclable and carbon-neutral.

GKN, BP and AstraZeneca announced they will be corporate sponsors of the UK Pavilion.

With a sponsorship of 500,000 pounds, pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca will directly support the design, development and staging.

"The theme of the World Expo 'Better City, Better Life' seems very relevant to us as a health-care company," said David Brennan, CEO of AstraZeneca. "The sponsorship demonstrates our commitment in raising public awareness to develop science and innovation to improve public health."

Brennan was among the business delegation with visiting British Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

Delegation members attended a forum in Shanghai on Saturday.

(Shanghai Daily January 21, 2008)