A promotional fair for the upcoming World Expo took place in Pasadena, the United States, on?January 2,?local time, gathering US and Chinese guests from all walks of life, including Hong Kong film star Jackie Chan and NBA star Yao Ming.

In his speech, Zhou Wenzhong, Chinese ambassador to the United States, said the Chinese government attaches great importance to the Expo, with president Hu Jintao and premier Wen Jiabao ordering the integration of national resources and wisdom to stage a successful, splendid and unforgettable event.

China and the US are actively building Sino-US ties based on an all-round 21st-century cooperation model reached between Hu and US President Barack Obama, and the relationship is embracing a significant development opportunity, Zhou noted.

Construction on the USA Pavilion is running very smoothly, Zhou said, and he was convinced that the Expo would further promote Sino-US ties and friendship between their people.

Hu Jinjun, deputy director general of the Bureau of Shanghai World Expo Coordination, elaborated on the progress of the event and US Commissioner General Jose Villarreal talked about his nation's participation.

About 200 guests attended the promotion. Among them were representatives from the Embassy of People's Republic of China in the United States, consulates-general of People's Republic of China in US, overseas Chinese, members of US Congress, US government officials and reporters.

Jackie Chan and Shanghai students staged performances at the fair.