Shanghai to invest RMB 1 bln in IT sector for World Expo

Published: 26 Dec 2008 01:14:05 PST

Dec. 24, 2008 (China Knowledge) - Shanghai plans to allot approximately RMB 1 billion (US$147 million) to upgrade and improve information technology equipment and services during Shanghai World Expo 2010, sources reported, citing Zhou Weidong, the IT director of the Bureau of the Shanghai World Expo Coordination.

The city will focus on security, next-generation networks and energy management systems, according to Zhou.

Excluding the infrastructure construction budget, Shanghai will spend around RMB 10.6 billion in the operation investment for the expo. IT expense will account for 10% of the total budget, said the director.

Sponsors and partners will cover the costs of some systems. Shanghai Teleco and Shanghai Mobile will provide telecommunications services, from 3G, Wi-Fi to emergency communications, for the event.

Zhou noted a "personal computer giant" is close to clinch a final cooperation agreement with IT partners including IBM, Cisco Systems, Inc and Tencent Holdings<700>.

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