Shanghai World EXPO-2010 opens with fireworks, laser show, Bocelli.

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SHANGHAI, April 30 (Itar-Tass) -- China's top officials, including
President Hu Jintao, as well as heads of state and government and official
representatives of the countries, who will take part in the World
Exhibition EXPO-2010, attended its opening of the forum In Shanghai on
Friday.
In addition, more than 10,000 guests were invited to the opening
ceremony.
Visiting leaders including French President Nicolas Sarkozy and
European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso watched the display from
the expo site along the shores of the Huangpu river.
Last night's ceremony began with a performance by Chan and Chinese
singer Song Zuying before Hu declared the Expo open. Bocelli followed with
a rendition of "Nessun Dorma." The ceremony ended with fireworks set off
from the city's 1,535-feet tall Oriental Pearl Tower.
On the eve of the opening ceremony, Hu visited Russia's stand at the
EXPO-2010.
Russia's State-Run Atomic Energy Corporation Rosatom and the
Yamal-Nenets Autonomous Area will be the first, who will open the Russian
pavilion on May 1. Apart from this, almost 20 Russian regions will hold
their presentations. Russia's State Nano-Technology Corporation ROSNANO
will put on display its novelties.
Russian Minister of Industry and Trade Viktor Khristenko heads the
Russian delegation at the EXPO-2010 opening ceremony.
The World Shanghai EXPO-2010, which will last till October 31, is
expected to be unique by its scope and total number of participants and
visitors in more than 150-year history of its existence.
The total area of the EXPO-park exceeds 5.5 square kilometres, where
are located stands and pavilions of more than 240 countries, companies and
international organisations.
According to various estimates, China spent about 660 million U.S.
dollars on the forum.
The total number of potential visitors to the World exhibition is
estimated at 100 million people.
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