The Russian pavilion for the 2010 World Expo in Shanghai will be opened to the public on May 1, Russia's industry and trade minister said on Friday.

"I think that we are moving along with difficulty, but on schedule. We will open our pavilion on April 30 and ten days before that, we will start a general rehearsal," Viktor Khristenko said during a working visit to Shanghai, adding that "everything will be working."

Khristenko, who chairs the organizing committee for Russia's participation in Expo 2010, said it was very important for Russia to take part in the event.

"It is a large, beautiful and independent pavilion, where Russia offers its view and conception of the future," he said. "For us, it is an opportunity to discuss and present our opinion ... on how to organize the life of our children."

The 2010 World Expo is to be held under the motto of a "Better City - Better Life" from May 1 to October 31, 2010, in Shanghai in an area of six square kilometers (2.3 sq. miles). Up to 70 mln people are expected to visit the city for the event, which has seen investment of up to $4 billion.

Russia is constructing its Expo pavilion for the first time in 30 years, rather than renting one from the host country.

The 6,000-square-meter sun-shaped pavilion, dominated by fairy-tale motifs, will comprise 12 white-and-gold towers symbolizing the 12 months, showing a comfortable city environment as seen through children's eyes.

SHANGHAI, March 19 (RIA Novosti)