Shanghai beat four other cities and won 54 votes out of 88 member countries in the final round.

At 3:15 p.m. local time, the Grimaldi Forum resembled a sea of red five-star flags as people shouted "Shanghai, China."

The other four competing countries lost out in the order of Poland, Mexico, Russia, and finally South Korea -- which lost by 20 votes to China.

In the presentation to Chinese delegation made here Tuesday morning, Vice-Premier Li Lanqing said: "On behalf of the Chinese government, I solemnly reaffirm that we will honor each and every commitment we have made to deliver an exciting and unforgettable event."

Li said Shanghai embodies China's desire to integrate with the international community its robust economy, sound infrastructure, clean environment and social stability.

"The BIE stands for understanding, exchange, cooperation and friendship. These qualities can be fully realized by holding the World Expo in China, a nation that believes in harmony and mutual benefit," Li said.

At the press conference held by the winner, Shanghai Mayor Chen Liangyu expressed gratitude to representatives of the four competitors who all extended their congratulations to China.

"Besides excitement, my mind is full of the thoughts on how to carry out fully our commitments to make the expo the most brilliant, unforgettable and successful one in expo history," he said.

Shanghai vowed to earmark US$100 million to assist less developed countries and provide subsidies to developing countries. Shanghai will also facilitate the participation of other countries in the expo by reducing their costs with subsidies and favorable policies.

BIE President Gilles Noghes said the voters made the right choice but added that this is only the beginning for Shanghai.

"I have so much confidence that Shanghai will carry out the event (under) the best conditions and make it the most splendid one," Noghes said.

(China Daily December 4, 2002)