SHANGHAI: Construction of the US pavilion began on Friday at the site of the Shanghai Expo, signaling the States' support of next year's event.

"The biggest challenge for the United States to participate in the expo has been tackled," said a jubilant Huang Jianzhi, deputy chief of Shanghai World Expo Coordination Bureau.

"The start of construction shows the strong commitment of the US government and makes fund-raising easier," Huang told China Daily during Friday's groundbreaking ceremony.