广播听力: Chinese Official Starts Shanghai World Expo Countdown

Meantime, Shanghai has started recruiting volunteers.

Our reporter Zhangcheng has more.(www.hXen.com)

Reporter:
In Beijing, Wu Bangguo, chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, said at the countdown ceremony.

''This ceremony, once again, demonstrates China's huge enthusiasm to the 2010 Shanghai world Expo. The Chinese government will spare no efforts in preparation for the grand event and ensure it a success.''

So far, altogether 236 countries and international organizations have confirmed attendance to next year's World Expo.

Many countries regard this Expo as a great opportunity to promote themselves and restore confidence, in a bid, to get through the global economic downturn.

Yang Xiong is a member of the Shanghai Expo Organizing Committee.

'We'd like to give our heartfelt thanks to all the participating countries; till now, none of them have broken their promise. Though many countries are suffering a slumping economy, they still positively bring their best side to the Expo, cooperate with other countries and fight against the economic crisis.'

With only one year left, many countries speed up their preparation for the upcoming Expo.
Great Britain is one of them. Carma Elliot is a representative of the British stand.

'We're pressing ahead with our plan for next year. We're of course looking very much for providing venue with money. But ther's no change to our plan because we think this is the right thing to do.'

On the same day in Shanghai, the organizers launched a recruitment drive across the city for volunteers from all areas.

About 70,000 volunteers will be recruited to work inside the Expo site and another 100,000 to work in nearly 1,000 service centers around the city during the event.

The Expo will be on stage from May 1 to Oct. 31 next year.

Zhangcheng CRI News.