The foundation works for the Australian pavilion at the Shanghai World Expo 2010 have been completed, making Australia the first national pavilion to pass this important construction milestone, organizers said in an interview with Xinhua.
"We are delighted to be so advanced in our preparations for the Expo," said Peter Tesch, Commissioner General for Australia's exhibition section. "We have an extremely dedicated and talented team working on this important project and have been greatly assisted in our endeavors by the strong co-operation at all levels of the Bureau for Shanghai World Expo Co-ordination."
To mark the occasion, Vice Director of the Bureau of Shanghai World Expo Coordination Huang Jianzhi, and Peter Tesch, poured a mixture of Australian red earth and Chinese soil into a ceremonial vessel that will be placed in the pavilion's foundations.
"The scale of our commitment to this project, which is the largest investment Australia has ever made in a world expo, speaks to the importance we attach to our participation in Expo 2010," Tesch said.
The Australian pavilion will enable us to share with Chinese and international audiences the best of Australian innovation and creativity, including our approaches to addressing the challenges of urban growth and sustainable development, Tesch added.
In addition, preparations for the 2010 Shanghai World Expo are in full swing despite the global economic crisis.
"Although the financial crisis is sweeping across the world, the international community has been giving and demonstrating their continuous support to the Shanghai World Expo. The Australian Government is one of our most dynamic supporters and has made a continuous effort to ensure a fascinating Australian Pavilion at Expo 2010," said Huang.
"We are confident that with the joint efforts of all participants, including Australia and the Expo Bureau, Shanghai World Expo will be a good opportunity for participating countries not only to regain their strength, but also to build friendship and trust amongst all people. More importantly, this Expo will provide people with an insight into a better life in future cities," Huang said.
The Shanghai Expo will play an active role in counteracting the current economic difficulties throughout the world. "Hopefully, our Expo will contribute to the revival of the global economy by promoting investment, consumption and international trade," said James Zhang, a spokesperson for the Bureau of Shanghai World Expo Co-ordination.
Overall, the organizer hopes to draw 70 million visitors to the Shanghai World Expo, which will be held from May 1 to October 31, 2010.
The Expo site, with its planned area of 5.28 square kilometers, is mostly located between the Nanpu and Lupu Bridges in downtown Shanghai. Right through the whole history of World Expo, it is the biggest event ever.
The site of Expo Shanghai includes a 3.28-square-kilometer centerpiece that is restricted to ticket holders. The total investment for construction projects in the entire site will reach18 billion yuan (2.63 billion U.S. dollars).
So far, 231 countries and international organizations have confirmed their participation in Expo 2010, with its theme "Better City, Better Life".
Over 40 participating countries have confirmed their intention to build their own national pavilions.
During the 184-day Expo Shanghai, over 100 cultural performances and activities will be held on the site every day. The total number of such events will exceed 2,000. It is expected that the Expo will offer a cultural cavalcade for people from all around the world.
|
Comment
Tell A Friend
Print Format
Save Article