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with the Hon Simon Crean MP, Minister for Trade
13 May 2008
Shanghai World Expo 2010 - Australia's Participation
The Australian Government has provided $61 million over three years towards Australia’s participation in World Expo 2010 in Shanghai.
Shanghai World Expo 2010 will be the biggest world expo ever held. The Australian Government will take maximum advantage of this historic opportunity with a contribution that will ensure Australia’s presence is commensurate with the breadth, depth and potential of the Australia-China relationship.
The Expo will take place between 1 May and 31 October 2010 with the theme “Better City, Better Life.” More than 170 countries are expected to participate and the Expo is forecast to attract some 70 million visitors, mainly from China.
Through this Budget measure, the Government is ensuring a robust, whole-of-nation Australian presence which will showcase positive images of contemporary Australia and highlight to China, our largest trading partner, the capabilities of Australian business. In addition to the $61 million being provided through the Budget, the Government will seek an estimated $22 million in funding through corporate sponsorships and partnerships with the states and territories.
The centrepiece of Australia’s presence will be a high-impact, high-capacity pavilion that is going to position Australia at the forefront of countries participating in the Expo. Strategically targeted business, communications and cultural programs will amplify the benefits of Australia’s participation.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) – which has whole-of-government responsibility for Australia’s involvement in world expositions – will lead the Expo project in collaboration with other Commonwealth agencies, state and territory governments and private sector stakeholders.
Melbourne-based Think OTS was chosen by public tender in 2007 to develop the Australian pavilion concept for the Expo. The pavilion – which has been designed by Wood Marsh architects – will be a visually striking structure capable of accommodating up to 40,000 visitors per day. It will occupy a site roughly equivalent to three-quarters of a rugby league field near the centre of the Expo.
Over the six months of the Expo, some seven million visitors, mostly Chinese citizens, are expected to visit the Australian pavilion. They will experience sights, sounds and even tastes from across Australia through cutting-edge exhibits, a dynamic program of cultural performances and uniquely Australian food and beverages.
The exhibits inside our pavilion will entertain, educate and engage visitors, extending beyond familiar perceptions of Australia. Consistent with the overall theme of the Expo, the exhibits will promote Australian cities, which are consistently ranked as among the most liveable in the world, as great places in which to study, live and work.
The Australian pavilion will highlight Australia’s strong and vibrant economy, our commitment to sustainable development, our technological expertise and innovation, our world-class research and education and our rich and diverse culture.
The pavilion will also host a comprehensive business program to maximise the impact of Australia’s Expo presence. It is envisaged that over 200 events will be held in a dedicated VIP area, including functions to mark high-level visits and bilateral meetings, trade and investment seminars, tourism and education promotions, business networking events, state and territory events and functions for corporate sponsors and stakeholders.
For Australian companies, the Expo represents a wealth of opportunities. There will be opportunities, for example, for companies to participate in trade missions, business networking events and sectoral promotions, to become corporate sponsors and to take part in the project’s procurement process. Five tenders will be released in 2008-09 – communications and public affairs; pavilion construction, exhibition and technical operations; cultural program; pavilion staffing, retail and operations; and pavilion decommissioning.
Media inquiries: Mr Smith's office 02 6277 7500 - Departmental Media Liaison 02 6261 1555