Shanghai Expo Mascot Haibao and Peng Peng, the Australian mascot for Shanghai Expo are seen during the official opening ceremony of the Australian Pavilion at the Shanghai World Expo site, May 18, 2010. [Phoyo/Xinhua]

 

SYDNEY - Australia Post released a kookaburra named Peng Peng on a local stamp on Tuesday to coincide with the Shanghai World Expo 2010, which opened on May 1.

It is expected to be the biggest world exposition ever, with more than 190 countries taking part to showcase solutions for the world's urban future.

Peng Peng, a name which carries connotations of "friendship" in Mandarin, is Australia's mascot for the expo and makes up one of a set of stamps promoting the nation's participation at the international event.

The fun-loving bird's other half of the stamp set features an image of the red ochre Australian pavilion, which is hosting a range of cultural and business programs relating to the expo's theme, 'Better City, Better Life'.

More than 70 million visitors are expected to attend the Shanghai World Expo over 184 days.