scene of the meeting

scene of the meeting

A cross-country vehicle run covering several former World Expo hosts to promote Expo 2010 as well as respect, eco-protection and safe driving was proposed yesterday.

Hubert Morineaux, vice president of the French 4x4 (Four Wheel Drive) Federation made the proposal during a meeting in Shanghai with Hu Jinjun, deputy director general of the Bureau of Shanghai World Expo Coordination.

Under the proposal, fans of four wheel drive from a large number of European countries will form a team to start their run at Hyde Park in London, United Kingdom, where the first World Exposition was held in 1851. After stops in 10 countries, the team will reach the 2010 Expo site in Shanghai.

The idea has won support from the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in France and Wu Jianmin, president of the International Bureau of Exhibitions (BIE), Morineaux said.

A series of celebrations are planned during the proposed journey, Morineaux noted.

Hu said the event was meaningful as it would help expand the influence of Shanghai Expo in European regions. He said the concept of eco-protection was also in line with organizers' goal of a green Expo.