Expo 2010 in Shanghai
World Expositions have come a long way since their beginnings in London in 1851. Today they are open windows on the world where we can discover the cultural, commercial, scientific and technological achievements of the participating countries.
Expo 2010 in Shanghai is going to be the biggest Expo to date. Over 6 months, from May 1 to October 31, more than 70 million people are expected to visit the Shanghai Expo, and 95% of those visitors will be Chinese. If the Beijing Olympics was a chance for China to put on a show for the world, this is a chance for the wrold to come to Shanghai and put on a show for China.
Canada is making a strong showing at this Expo, with one of the largest pavilions among the 240+ participants. Each day the Canada Pavilion welcomes over 30,000 visitors, making the Canada Pavilion one of the most popular destinations within the huge Expo site.
News Release:
The Government of Canada Appoints Mark Rowswell “Dashan” as Canada’s Commissioner General for Expo 2010, Shanghai
SHANGHAI, China, May 13, 2009 – The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, today announced the appointment of Mark Rowswell, known as “Dashan,” as Canada’s Commissioner General for Expo 2010, which will take place in Shanghai, China, from May to October 2010.
“Expo 2010 provides a valuable opportunity for Canada to advance its foreign and trade policy goals and strengthen economic, diplomatic, and cultural ties with China,” said Minister Cannon. “As Commissioner General for Canada’s participation at Expo 2010, Mark Rowswell will be our country’s official representative, promote Canada to China, and welcome guests to our pavilion.”
“Mark Rowswell is uniquely positioned to fulfill the role of Commissioner General: a media personality with an audience of 800 million who is known for his intercultural and charity work, he represented Canada as the Canadian Team Attaché for the 2008 Olympic Games and has been inducted into the Order of Canada,” said Minister Moore. “With Mr. Rowswell on the Canadian team, we will be able to attract visitors and media to our pavilion and ensure that tens of millions more elsewhere in China will be encouraged to learn more about Canada.” Expo 2010 is expected to be the biggest exposition ever, with more than 230 countries and organizations participating. The Government of Canada expects between 5 and 5.5 million visitors to the Canada Pavilion: 30 000 per day. |
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With the assistance of Cirque du Soleil, Canada is creating a stunning pavilion that will be the jewel of Expo 2010 and an excellent showcase for Canada’s theme “The Living City: inclusive, sustainable, creative.” The objective is to make the Canada Pavilion the destination of choice at this Expo. Our participation will also include a spectacular and extensive cultural program that will showcase Canadian artists and performers from a wide range of disciplines.