Preparetions for the 2010 World Expo should be in full swing by next year with all relocations completed, Shanghai Mayor Han Zheng said at a meeting of the event's executive committee on Saturday.

With the support of the central government, Shanghai would cooperate with event organizers to push preparations into a new phase, said Han, who is executive director of the committee.

Han said it was important to safeguard historical buildings during construction of the Expo site and pavilions.

"The relocation work in the site should be completed next year," Han said. "With construction accelerated, we should also ensure the protection of historical architecture."

Han said the selection of blueprints for the China Pavilion, theme pavilions, a museum and other buildings should be underway by next year.

"We should try our best to achieve the goal - attracting 200 countries and international organizations to participate in our event - as soon as possible," Han said. "We also should improve the quality of services for participants."