Appointed vice-head of Pudong New Area in mid-2000, the 45-year-old delegate feels honoured to be serving the public, and his background has certainly prepared him for the task.

In 1978, he enrolled in the Shanghai Institute of Foreign Trade. Ten years later, Zhou was appointed general auditor to verify nine English Acts on the development of Pudong New Area.

As a professor, as well as vice president of the Shanghai Institute of Foreign Trade, he has published more than 200 monographs in the field of economics and legislation, especially regarding China's entry to the World Trade Organization. By 1987, he held the status of a world-famous scholar of law.

Zhou has received the Eisenhower Fellowship, and has been serving as an adviser on both American and WTO issues for the Ministry of Economic Relations and Trade.

Four months ago, Zhou was nominated as a Chinese delegate to BIE by Shanghai's municipal government, sharing command of the bidding commission. He has been assigned to the headquarters of the Bureau of International Exhibitions in Paris.

Representing Chinese

As a delegate representing his country, Zhou has had to maintain good relations with all parties involved. He must attend a wide range of conferences, and continuously meet with delegates from other countries, while keeping major international news organizations and groups abreast of developments in both the project and the country as a whole. Such a hectic schedule certainly demands a person of strong character.

"As a Chinese delegate, I always remember that winning the bid for the 2010 World Expo will bring great honour to our nation and people," Zhou said.

Hosting the 2010 World Expo will provide Shanghai with tremendous economic opportunities. Statistics show, 94.6 per cent of Chinese people support Shanghai's bid for the World Expo, and 78.6 per cent believe the bid will be a success.

According to official statistics, more than 50 million people from around the world could participate in the 2010 World Expo in Shanghai. While, Shanghai Municipal Government plans to invest approximately US$2.5 billion in infrastructure over the next 8 years, which is predicted to bring US$25 billion in renumerations should the World Expo come to Shanghai.

Confidence

Zhou is confident that Shanghai will succeed in the bidding process. He feels the city is the right place for such a fair.

"Shanghai has been known as the 'Paris of the East' since the 1930s. Further, it is a fast-paced city with a dynamic economy. This city boasts a strong spirit of entrepreneurship and a sense of creativity. It has been a powerful force for economic development and has pushed the development of China as a whole," Zhou said with a smile.

However, the delegate also pointed out some shortcomings of the city, which could affect the bidding process. China is still a developing country. It is unevenly developed from the coastal to inland areas, as well as between urban and rural areas. Pollution also remains a serious problem, as both people and industries overcrowd the urban centres.

Zhou feels this investment needs guarantees from the government and support from non-governmental organizations and institutions. How to balance these two steps is a test for Shanghai. However, the city offers a great deal of talent and skill to overcome these hurdles in Zhou's opinion.

"We want the chance to hold the World Expo to help us overcome our problems. That means, we are going to use one stone to kill a lot of birds. This is a unique step for a better life in Shanghai," Zhou concluded.

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