Australia has begun to recruit about 200 staff for its World Expo pavilion. Positions include managers, interpreters, attendants, drivers and catering staff.

Attendants must speak Chinese and English, and have a "passion for Australia."

The International Venue Group (IVG) - the contractor which handles the operations, staffing and retail components of the pavilion - has received more than 130 formal applications for the roles of finance manager and functions manager in the fortnight since information sessions for applicants were held in Shanghai in the first week of May.

"We have been encouraged by the level of interest in the employment opportunities available at the pavilion," said Peter Tesch, Australia's commissioner general for the 2010 Expo.

Final interviews for the finance manager and functions manager positions will take place later this month. This will be followed by further recruitment for a range of other pavilion roles.

Some positions require candidates to be based in Shanghai at their own expense.

For more details go to australianpavilion.com.