Several Chinese companies are interested in buying the Russian pavilion at Expo 2010 in Shanghai, the vice president of the Russian Trade and Industry Chamber said Tuesday.

“As regards commercial proposals, many Chinese companies have proposed, on different terms, that the Russian pavilion be transferred to a Chinese city,” said Vladimir Strashko, who is the Russian Federation’s commissioner general at the exhibition.

The 2010 World Expo is held in Shanghai from May 1 to October 31, 2010. Up to 70 million people are expected to visit the city for the event, which has seen investment of up to $4 billion.

Russia constructed a pavilion at the exhibition for the first time in 30 years. The sun-shaped pavilion comprises 12 white-and-gold towers symbolizing the 12 months of the year, and occupies an area of 6,000 square meters. It has already been visited by more than five million people.

It showcases Russia's recent scientific and economic development and offers a diverse cultural program.

At the same time, Strashko said the pavilion’s future after the Shanghai Expo remains unclear, as in order to agree to commercial proposals, official permits have to be obtained.

However, he added, “if China’s official circles make a proposal on a governmental level regarding the Russian pavilion, the issue will be considered at a higher level and a decision will be made.”

SHANGHAI, September 7 (RIA Novosti) -