Philippines to join Shanghai World Expo 2010

The Department of Tourism (DOT) has confirmed the Philippine participation in the Shanghai World Expo 2010, one of the world’s major venues for the exchange of global economic thought and strengthening of cross-border ties.

The country’s attendance to the event was formally set as Ace Durano, Secretary of Tourism, signed the contract during ceremonies recently held at the headquarters of the Shanghai World Expo Coordination Bureau.

“We plan to make this the grandest pavilion that we have ever installed as far as joining international fairs is concerned. China is one of the world’s major economies and being at the Shanghai Expo serves as a vital step for the country to claim a significant part of the Chinese outbound tourist sector, as well as a good share of international visitors,” Durano shared.

Durano was further designated as the Philippine Commissioner General to this major trade and economic exposition.

The Shanghai World Expo 2010 will carry the theme “Better City, Better Life,” harping on the common goal towards enhanced urban environments. The event aims to encourage a harmonious blend of diverse cultures, economic prosperity, innovation and technology, sustainable communities and healthy interaction between urban and rural areas.

The Shanghai World Expo 2010 is scheduled to open its gates on May 1, 2010 up until October 31, 2010. The Chinese coordination bureau has cordoned off an area of 5.28 square kilometers around the Nanpu and Lupu Bridges. This is touted to be the largest space allotted in the fair’s history.

Organizers expect to draw in more than 70 million guests and 200 exhibitors from around the world to Shanghai, breaking the 64 million visitor record set at Osaka, Japan in 1970.

Also held previously in the United States and various countries in Europe, the World Expo provides national organizations and private companies with a venue to showcase their trade activities, culture, technology and tourist destinations.

The Philippines is the 16th country to confirm its participation and will be among 42 Asian countries setting up at the fair grounds. The DOT has reserved a 1,880 square-meter space to carry the theme “Performing Cities.”

“Our theme statement attempts to show how Filipino culture, artistry and music influence the design, planning, management and sustainability of our communities. It will be a multi-sensory display of our country’s values like bayanihan and our world-famous brand of hospitality,” Durano said.

He added that the hall will feature cultural and trade exhibits, food sampling courtesy of the Philippine Travel Café, an indigenous arts and crafts showroom, a spa center highlighting hilot and other wellness treatments, a performance area, as well as seminars and forums on the country’s different industries.

The center will further touch on the shared history of the Filipino and Chinese people, from racial ancestry and social influences to current business relations and joint economic programs.

The Department is working with the Philippine Convention and Visitors Corporation in designing and executing the installation and promotional activities.