Work on Russia's display at Expo 2010 in China on schedule

MOSCOW, October 26 (RIA Novosti) - Construction of the Russian pavilion for the Expo 2010 to be held in Shanghai is going according to schedule, a first deputy mayor of Moscow said.

Expo 2010, whose “Better City, Better Life” theme reflects efforts to improve life in future urban environments, will run from May 1 through October 31. The event is expected to attract 70 million people.

“Our common schedule is to complete major work by March 1,” Yury Roslyak told RIA Novosti on Saturday.

He said a metal basic structure had already been assembled and work was underway to lay utilities.

Roslyak said Chinese workers involved in the construction at the Russian site were working in three shifts and almost without days off for the Russian facility to be on time by April 30.

Russia’s nuclear corporation Rosatom will occupy one of 12 towers at the Russian pavilion, which will resemble a miniature of a town to demonstrate various aspects in the life of a city and its residents.

Speaking at a roundtable devoted to the event in Moscow on Monday, Vladimir Arshinov, a professor at the Russian Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Philosophy, said “the exhibition will show how Russia sees its future.”

A senior member of the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry said the event was important for boosting Russia’s self-confidence. “It is important that Russia demonstrate its achievements to the world, as well as its own nationals,” Igor Prudnikov said.

The Russian exposition will feature innovative projects, new technologies and interactive programs covering themes such as the assimilation of different cultures, economic growth, a new model for urban society, and links between cities and nearby areas.