Canada to Participate in Expo 2010 in Shanghai
OTTAWA, April 10, 2006 -- Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women Beverley J. Oda today announced that Canada has accepted China's invitation to participate in Expo 2010. The Expo, whose theme is "Better City, Better Life," will take place from May 1 to October 31, 2010."Expo 2010 will be a wonderful opportunity for the global community to showcase their strengths in developing sustainable cities, while at the same time taking advantage of being able to learn from one of the largest commercial centers in the world," said Minister Oda. "I invite our provincial, territorial, and municipal colleagues and the private sector to join us in planning our participation in this significant international event."
Modern Chinese society straddles the ancient and the modern worlds. With cities that date back more than a thousand years and containing one fifth of the global population, China has a unique perspective on cities, the challenges they present, and the promise they hold for the future. Expo 2010 will provide a world forum to discuss the issues around urban living, some of which include the impact on resources and the environment. It will also provide an opportunity to discuss the future of urban development. Over 70 million visitors are expected at Expo 2010.
China has become Canada's second-largest trading partner after the United States. The Canadian and Chinese governments have agreed to double the level of economic exchanges between the two countries by 2010. Expo 2010 will provide an opportunity for Canada to strengthen trade, investment, and technology partnerships with China in a wide range of areas. It will also provide Canada with the opportunity to promote Canadian arts and culture and share the Canadian model of openness, equality, and respect for diversity.
Canada has an unbroken record of outstanding performances both as participant and host in international expositions. At Expo 2005 in Aichi, Japan, the Canada Pavilion more than doubled its attendance goals by welcoming more than 3.3 million visitors.
The Department of Canadian Heritage will coordinate Canada's participation in Expo 2010 in partnership with the public and private sectors. For more information about Canada's participation at international expositions, please visit the website at:
www.pch.gc.ca/progs/expo/index_e.cfm
Information:
Donald Boulanger
A/Chief, Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819 997-9314
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