SHANGHAI - The theme of Expo 2015 Milan, "Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life," was reason to celebrate at the official opening of Milan Week in the Italy Pavilion at Expo 2010 Shanghai on Wednesday.

Taking over the Expo mantle from Shanghai, Expo 2015 Milan will give visibility to tradition, creativity and innovation in the fields of food and the sustainability of food production, officials said.

The 2015 Expo exhibition site, located just a few kilometers from the center of Milan, is characterized by a strong and consistent focus on eco-sustainability.

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"All countries will have to use specially designed materials for easy disassembly, which can be reused or recycled afterwards," said Massimiliano Finazzer Flory, head councilor of culture for the city of Milan. Energy efficiency will be optimized through the minimization of non-recyclable wastes and the maximization of separated recyclable wastes, he said.

Surrounded by a canal, the Milan Expo Garden is a big island where pavilions will be divided equally by a main road in the middle with six primary exhibition areas, an amphitheatre, 12 catering service areas and a botanical garden.

In the botanical garden, every country will occupy a part of land with greenhouses for each to grow plants that represent their nation.

"We're planning to create a model of an urban city in the botanical garden with plants growing during the Expo period from all over the world," Flory said.

Expo 2015 Milan will offer a great communication and promotion platform for primary food-producing communities, farmers, food firms, catering companies and other companies seeking to make the most of innovative technologies in the food industry.

"The scale of Milan Expo definitely won't exceed Shanghai Expo but we will try to showcase the best and most creative aspects of our city. For visitors, the tour at Expo 2015 Milan will lead to delightful memories full of cultural mysteries and a carnival atmosphere," Flory said.

Milan Week in the Expo Garden in Shanghai included a series of forums titled "Testimonials in Creativity," which are dedicated to the fields of arts, design, and IT. They showcase the best of the city's offerings under the theme of "Milan Creative City."

Two Milanese gurus in the design and fashion industry - Elio Fiorucci, designer of the world-famous Fiorucci fashion brand, and Fabio Novembre, top-class architecture and designer - will share their experiences of excelling in the creative industries. Students at the top-reputation La Scala Theatre Academy will share the secrets behind grooming the most talented musicians in the theater sector.

"Visitors are welcome to see a visually captivating exhibition inspired by the Milanese coat of arms, to taste and experience the authentic Milanese cuisine, and to understand how creativity has been translated across different sectors in the city's development," Flory said in a speech during the opening ceremony.

China Daily