by Silvia Marchetti

Preparing for Shanghai Expo and witnessing the site's incredible development was an exciting experience, Italian government commissioner for Shanghai Expo Beniamino Quintieri told Xinhua on Friday.

Quintieri said that each time he visited China he was impressed by the country and its people. "My amazement is unlimited by what the Chinese are able to do. It's stimulating to observe the different pavilions to come to life and the many activities going on, to feel the impact of the expo's preparations on the city of Shanghai."

He stressed that the efficiency and rapidity with which the expo's site was built was a proof of China's power.

In a few days time the Shanghai Expo will open to the public. Stress is high and the commissioner explained that these last two months have been particularly hectic, with tons of work and responsibility weighing upon his shoulders.

Quintieri said he had great expectations and hoped everything will go smoothly, admitting he looked forward to a bit of relaxation after the opening ceremony.

During this period it was indeed hard to balance his private and professional life because "events of this kind do not favor the family union." But the task of coordinating Italy's pavilion at the Shanghai Expo has been exhilarating for him, something totally new.

"It's not like heading a big public institution, here you have to start from scratch, build piece by piece and it's a big emotion when you realize that you're actually creating something. The Italian pavilion represents a project of quality of which we must all be proud," he said.

Quintieri has made the best of the task assigned to him by the government by defining such a rich program and calendar of events that place Italy's excellences in Shanghai's international spotlights for six months in a row.

The Italian pavilion, titled "The City of Man," will be showcasing the best of the Italian style and way of life.

"Italian cities are not mere working or sleeping places, but vibrant areas with their own precious social capital and blend of historical and artistic traditions. This is the message we want to get across to the public,�� he said.

Indeed he has done a great job. Undersecretary of State Gianni Letta on Thursday praised him as the "new Marco Polo," the man who will turn Shanghai 2010 into the second greatest Italian mission to China after the one of the Venetian merchant.

Thinking of the comparison, Quintieri smiled humbly and explained he didn't deserve as much. However, his curriculum and credentials are more than solid. An economics professor at two of Rome's top business universities, for four years he had the privilege of heading the Italian Institute for Foreign Trade, an important organization focused on promoting global commercial ties.

"I believe my economic background contributed to my nomination as commissioner for Shanghai Expo. I was probably among the most adequate people for the job."

Lately Quintieri has been visiting China quite frequently. " Beijing and Shanghai are cities that change with an incredible rhythm, though not as quickly as in the 1980's and 1990's,"he observed.

Shanghai has almost become his second home, a "place I feel very familiar. But one thing is to know Shanghai another China, a huge and multifarious country."

What impressed him most in preparing for the expo was the enthusiasm of Italy's small firms, all wanting to take part in the global event despite economic woes: "They see China not as a threat but an opportunity."

Turning to the Chinese public, Quintieri made a final special invitation. "We have done all this for you and we hope you come to visit us. At Italy's pavilion you will always find something new to experience."