“This approval marks a very significant milestone for The Walt Disney Company in mainland China. China is one of the most dynamic, exciting and important countries in the world, and this approval marks a very significant milestone for The Walt Disney Company in mainland China,” said Robert Iger, president and CEO of Disney.
Shanghai’s city government issued a brief statement announcing the approval. Disney has gradually expanded its presence in mainland China after opening a theme park in Hong Kong in 2005 and now has offices in Shanghai, Beijing and Guangzhou.
The park will be a major showcase for Shanghai, the mainland’s main financial and commercial centre. The city is in the middle of a construction boom ahead of the World Expo, which will open on May 1.