China will try its best to make the World Expo 2010 in Shanghai one of the most successful, most attractive and most memorable international events in history.

Chinese Vice Premier Wu Yi made the remarks here Thursday at the first meeting of the organization committee of the Shanghai World Expo, which also marked the inauguration of the organization committee.

Wu, also member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and Chen Liangyu, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and secretary of the CPC Shanghai Municipal Committee, addressed the meeting attended by officials from concerned departments.

Wu, also head of the organization committee, said the World Expo is a great event for people of all countries to enhance exchanges and cooperation. To successfully hold the Shanghai World Expo is of vital importance to speeding up China's reform and opening-up process and boosting the cooperation and exchanges between China and other countries.

At present, she said, the organization committee of the Shanghai World Expo should set down the action program, and carefully carry out the preparation work, including choosing the song and emblem of the Expo, and promoting publicity.

Wu noted the organization work should employ wisdom and strength from people from home and abroad. China will fully utilize its resources and advantages, and go all out for better design, preparation and holding of the Expo.

Chen, also first deputy head of the organization committee, said the holding of the Expo is a great historical opportunity for both Shanghai and China. The Shanghai municipal government should fully understand its responsibility, embody the arrangements and requirements of the central government, and earnestly prepare for the Shanghai World Expo.

This will also promote Shanghai's further development, and make more contribution to the comprehensive construction of a well-off society, he said.

The World Expo 2010 will be held in Shanghai from May 1 to Oct.31, 2010, covering 184 days, with a theme of "better city better life".

The World Expo is held every five years.

(Xinhua News Agency June 4, 2004)