The Russian pavilion for the 2010 World Expo in Shanghai will be completed on time, the general commissioner of the Russian section said on Tuesday.
"We will try to finish [it on time], that's what we are here for," Vladimir Strashko said in an interview with RIA Novosti, adding that the construction was almost complete.
He noted, however, that there was still a long way to go.
"One has to understand that there are two stages of work: construction and exposition," he explained. "The construction inside the pavilion is now going at a heightened pace."
"The second part is the operators who deal with the exposition... We have a lot to do in the remaining days, so the main goal now is to coordinate all efforts."
The 2010 World Expo is to be held under the motto of a "Better City - Better Life" from May 1 to October 31 2010 in Shanghai in an area of six square kilometers (2.3 sq. miles). Up to 70 mln people are expected to visit the city for the event, which has seen investment of up to $4 billion.
Russia is constructing its Expo pavilion for the first time in 30 years, rather than renting one from the host country.
The Sun-shaped Russian pavilion will comprise 12 white-and-gold towers symbolizing the 12 months, and occupy an area of 6,000 sq. m.
SHANGHAI, March 16 (RIA Novosti)
