The current financial crisis will have no conspicuous or direct impact on Shanghai 2010 Universal expo, even though some indirect impacts are not to be excluded, indicated the deputy-mayor of Shanghai, on Thursday. 
Yang Xiong, deputy-mayor of Shanghai, entrusted with the preparation of Shanghai 2010 Universal Expo, declared at a press conference held in Beijing, that preparations are going according to schedule.

As of today, 179 countries and regions, as well as 44 organizations,  have confirmed their participation.

"After the global financial crisis, Shanghai Universal Expo and and the Delta of the Yangtze river to overcome this crisis », noted Yang Xiong.

Shanghai Universal Expo, to be held from may 1st to October 31st, will attract 70 million visitors, 400 000 visitors, on average, every day.

Xinhua