“While we don't want to say what if (the U.S. fails to find enough funding to support its participation in the event), we have developed emergency plans should it occur. In fact, we have plans for the potential withdrawal of any participants from the event,” Hong Hao, director-general of the Shanghai World Expo Coordination Bureau said. Hong did not elaborate on the specific measures.

Hong said that on request of the Consulate General of the U.S., organizers had allotted a very “good and appropriate” location for the U.S. pavilion in the expo site. Should the U.S. complete its fund-raising and project design, it can still use the reserved land for the construction of its pavilion, Hong said.

Asked whether time is running out for the U.S. to start construction of its pavilion so it can meet the expo timetable, Hong said participants might as well adjust and optimize the design of their pavilions based on their project's budget and progress.

Hong express his “sincere wish” to the U.S. to complete fund-raising and start building its pavilion “as soon as possible”.