In just one year, the World Expo will be held in China's eastern city of Shanghai.

It will be the first city in a developing country to host such a world event.

Many legislators at the ongoing 11th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, or CPPCC, in Beijing say they are confident that the Shanghai Expo will be a success.

Cheng Yuechong is the vice mayor of East China's Ningbo city and a member of CPPCC.

He says the expo will promote the integrated development of the Yangtze River Delta, where Shanghai is situated.

"The World Expo is an international event that needs a large amount of both tangible and intangible resources and support from neighboring cities. Taking this opportunity, cities inside the Yangtze River Delta can cooperate closely and share the resources. I believe the World Expo will indeed boost the integrated development of the region."

Committee member Yang Lan says the upcoming expo will bring more opportunities for the development of China's cultural industry.

"During the expo, a large number of cultural creative activities will be held, providing a platform for artists and performers from both here and abroad. They can share experiences and compete on the same stage. It will be a precious opportunity for China's cultural industry to cooperate with counterparts from around the world."

Yang Lan was one of the goodwill ambassadors for Beijing's bid for the 2008 Olympic Games.

She says the World Expo, like the Olympic Games, will showcase China's cultural treasures and technological achievements to the world.