EXPO Express

In Brief (Jan 5-12,2009)

Nauru confirms participation, putting the number of attendees at 230 in total

Global cosmetics giant L’Oreal signs off as the 13^th Expo partner

Officials are now on the lookout for the world’s best catering services

Shanghai’s emissions standards are officially set to undergo a Beijing Olympics-style upgrade by this fall

Participants

Nauru Confirms Participation, 230 in All

1/8/09 – The Republic of Nauru confirmed its participation on Thursday and will have an 8,100 square meter exhibit area in the joint Pacific Oceania pavilion. All 16 countries in Oceania have now confirmed they will participate in the Expo. Now, 185 countries and 45 international organizations have accepted invitations – that puts the total amount of confirmed attendees at 230. [World Expo Shanghai 2010 Official Website]

Lithuania Announces Pavilion Theme

1/5/09 – The Republic of Lithuania will have a “Blossoming City” theme, said Expo officials last Monday. Massive petals will be installed inside a 2,000-square-meter rented pavilion, to exhibit the country’s relationship between people and nature, and its development into a political, cultural and economic center in the Baltic Sea region. Officials also announced plans to invite Lithuanian basketball players to Shanghai as Expo envoys. [World Expo Shanghai 2010 Official Website]

Sponsors

L’Oreal Inks Makeup Deal

1/12/09 – L’Oreal China signed a sponsorship agreement on Sunday with the Shanghai World Expo Coordination Bureau to provide its cosmetics throughout the event. The Bureau now has 13 global partners and nine senior sponsors. [World Expo Shanghai 2010 Official Website]

AutoNavi to Offer GPS Guides

1/9/09 – Beijing-based AutoNavi, a digital map and location-based service provider, signed a project sponsor contract with Expo organizers on Friday. Through the deal, visitors will be able to download and install GPS software onto their smart phones for free. The software will be downloaded via either the General Packet Radio Service network (GPRS) or new third-generation mobile phone networks, and will offer a digital map of the site and information on crowded areas. [Shanghai Daily]

General Info

Good & Green Catering Services Wanted

1/11/09 – A public solicitation is underway to find world-class Chinese and international caterers for high-end dining, chic cafes, cafeterias and fast-food restaurants that represent the tastiest, healthiest and greenest cuisine from around the world. This was said by Hong Hao, director of the Bureau of Shanghai World Expo Coordination, in a recent interview. The winners will be announced in June. [Shanghai Daily]

US Designer Joins “Dream” Team

1/6/09 – New York-based ESI Design announced on Tuesday that it is now among the world-renowned team commissioned to design the Shanghai Corporate Pavilion (the Dream Cube). Participants include architects, designers, writers, artists, environmental and technology professionals. The Pavilion is expected to offer green building technologies, a dream-like atmosphere and various interactive experiences. [ESI Design]

Policy Report

Emissions Standards Upgrade

1/9/09 – New emissions standards will be enforced on November 1^st for all new cars, busses, cleaning and rubbish, mail delivery and urban construction vehicles used in Shanghai, said the Shanghai Environmental Protection Bureau on Thursday. New fuel standards will also be implemented at the same time and emission tests will be conducted thereafter by local departments.  [Christine Cai / Shanghai Daily]

Public Toilets Free by 2010

1/9/09 – All of Shanghai’s public toilets will be free of charge by 2010, said the city government at its weekly press conference on Thursday. Some facilities will be renovated, and equipped with medicine and sewing kits. The decision is part of the city’s Ten Practical Programs agenda for 2009. Another Expo-related program on the list is the restoration of old parks. [Steffie Lu / Shanghai Daily]

Vow for Crime Reduction

1/8/09 – Shanghai’s public security department has vowed to crack down on various criminal activities and step up efforts to improve public safety ahead of the Expo, said bureau Chief Zhang Xuebing on Thursday. He said Expo security preparations had entered a crucial stage and that his department also plans to strengthen urban safety management, reduce any type of disasters and accidents, and ensure the smooth flow of traffic. [Wang Hongyi / China Daily]