The Walt Disney Company is reportedly awaiting approval from the Chinese government to build a new theme park in Shanghai.

The China Daily newspaper quoted Disney’s chair, George Mitchell, as saying: “Our discussions have been with Shanghai officials and now they are engaging with the national officials.”

Mitchell apparently made the comments to the newspaper while attending the opening of a branch of DLA Piper – the law firm of which he is also chair – in Beijing.

It is understood that Disney and Shanghai officials want the launch of the park to coincide with the 2010 World Expo being held in the city.

The Chuansha area, between the city’s international airport and the financial district in Pudong, has reportedly been earmarked as a possible location.

Disney opened the US$1.8bn (£973m, 1.4bn euro) Disneyland Hong Kong in 2005. Details: www.disney.com

Photograph: Disney plans to expand in Asia after opening Disneyland Hong Kong last year