The Australian Government has concluded partnerships with all state and territories ahead of the Shanghai World Expo 2010 after Minister for Trade Simon Crean met with key state and territory representatives last week. "This will ensure we have an impressive national presence at the expo and will help the states and territories to advance their interests in the strategically important China market," said Crean. The $83 million project is the largest amount Australia has invested in a World Expo. "This reflects the Government's intention to take full advantage of this opportunity to promote increased trade and two-way investment, project contemporary images of modern Australia to millions of people, and strengthen institutional and people-to-people links between Australia and China," remarked Crean. The Shanghai World Expo will take place between May 1 and October 31, 2010, with an estimated 70 million visitors predicted to attend.