Australia and World Expo 2010
Australian Pavilion Shanghai World Expo 2010
Speech (check against delivery)
18 May 2010
Ambassador Geoff Raby, Commissioner-General Lyndall Sachs, Consul-General Tom Connor. Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen. Thank you for that kind introduction.
I am pleased to make my first visit to Shanghai as Foreign Minister this week, and to be the first Australian Minister to visit Expo 2010.
I congratulate the city of Shanghai and the people of China.
In successfully staging this historic event, you are bringing the world to China, and China to the world.
One cannot but be impressed by the grand scale of the expo itself and by the warm hospitality of the host city, Shanghai.
I am very pleased to see how popular the Australian pavilion is proving with both the Chinese people and with international visitors.
Since 1 May, the opening of the Expo, Australia's pavilion has received over half a million visitors.
Our visitors are experiencing something quite special.
One of our main drawcards is the design of the pavilion itself — it is a testament to Australian innovation and creativity.
The pavilion's friendly bilingual staff is another.
Inside, our pavilion presents images of the modern Australia as a welcoming place to live and visit.
These exhibits show Australia as a country endowed with great natural beauty, a tolerant diverse multicultural society and a sophisticated productive economy.
They also put the spotlight on Australian cities, consistently ranked among the most liveable in the world.
A further drawcard is the pavilion's cultural program — Australia's largest ever international arts promotion program.
Australia has placed a high priority on this project from its inception.
Australia's presence at Expo 2010 also underscores the Australian Government's commitment to further strengthen our ties with China.
Australia is committed to building a mature, balanced and sustainable relationship with China.
We believe that there is great potential for enhanced cooperation between our two nations.
That is why, over the six months of this expo, the Australian pavilion is hosting a comprehensive business program.
These business program events are aimed at bolstering trade and investment, strengthening institutional relationships and building people-to-people links.
Some events focus on specific business sectors where Australian companies have expertise to share.
Some events are ‘second-track' dialogues on issues ranging from scientific cooperation to climate change.
Other events are celebrating our strong alumni ties and the excellence of Australian education.
The Australian pavilion and its cultural and business programs have been underpinned not just by a whole-of-government approach, but by a whole-of-nation approach.
In this regard, I acknowledge our corporate sponsors — ANZ, Rio Tinto, Bluescope Steel, Bovis Lendlease, Qantas, the University of Sydney, Telstra and the ANU, and the States and Territorities, all of whom have contributed to our presence here.
Thank you and please enjoy the Expo and the Australian pavilion.