CHINA> Regional
Australia to spend $40m+ on Shanghai Expo pavilion
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-06-26 10:21

CANBERRA -- Australian parliamentary secretary Mike Kelly said here on Wednesday that his government will spend nearly 50 million dollars ($47.7 million) on a pavilion to showcase Australia at the 2010 Shanghai World Expo.


The Australian Pavilion's initial design concept. [expo2010.com]

The expo would be an opportunity to raise Australia's profile in a strategic market, parliamentary Kelly told the parliament.

"It is essential that the Australian presence at the expo be commensurate with our economic and strategic interests in China," Dr Kelly said.

A temporary pavilion will be built with public exhibition areas and the capacity to host VIP, business and cultural programs.