The World Expo in Shanghai, which will take place from 1 May to 31 October 2010, will attract the participation of 200 countries and international organisations and about 70 million visitors.

For the occasion the Italian Government presented the project of its Pavilion called The City of Man, a urban model that can combine the cities’ requirements for renewal with the protection of our history and the need to maintain a sustainable relationship with the territory. The pavilion is inspired by the Italian urban tradition and its lines draw the typical grid of streets and alleys of our historical centres.
Italy will present to the world the excellence of the country declined according to the theme "Better city, Better Life", concept of Expo 2010.

Italcementi Group will be the official supplier of the Pavilion and will build over 3,700 panels made of “transparent cement” that will cover 40% of the total surface, creating inside the building a sequence of lights and shadows in constant evolution during the day. 
The transparent properties of the cement are guaranteed by special resins inserted into the material, which Italcementi Group researchers have found to be particularly suitable for this type of application. These resins, which may have different colours, interact both with artificial and natural light creating a soft, warm light inside the building and a clear bright image on the outside.

The Ground breaking Ceremony of the Italian Pavilion has been organised in a traditional style with Chinese dragons and fireworks to drive away the evil spirits from the soil.
"The Shanghai Expo will be a turning point in the difficult phase that the world economy is going through, a unique opportunity to send a message of confidence in the recovery, thanks to the increasing role that the Chinese market is taking in the international panorama," said Beniamino Quintieri, Commissioner General of Italy for Shanghai World Expo 2010.
The ceremony was held at the presence of the Ambassador of Italy Riccardo Sessa, the Consul General of Italy in Shanghai, Massimo Roscigno and the Director General of the Organising Committee of the Expo, Hong Hao.
"The World Exposition in Shanghai is both a challenge and a great opportunity," affirmed Riccardo Sessa. "A challenge because we will have to present an appealing and attractive offer that is certainly in our abilities. But it is also a great opportunity to show to more than 70 million expected visitors an innovative and new face of our productive system and culture".