Canada to build 'most attractive pavilion' at Expo

BEIJING: Canada hoped to build one of the most attractive pavilion at the Expo 2010 Shanghai, said Mark Rowswell, Canada's Commissioner General for the 2010 Shanghai World Expo, here on Monday.

Perhaps the most famous foreigner in China, Rowswell, also named "Dashan," was appointed on May 13 as Canada's Commissioner General for the 2010 Shanghai World Expo.

At a reception on the Expo 2010 held by Canadian Embassy in Beijing, Rowswell told Xinhua that over half of the construction project of the Canada Pavilion has been completed and this pavilion is expected to be one of the first pavilions finished for the Expo.

Canada is building a brand new pavilion of 6,000 square meters, which is among the largest exhibition halls, said Rowswell, adding that the preparation work has made good progress so far.

Rowswell said, the Canada Pavilion will be completed in this November. It is expected to attract approximately 5 million during the Expo. "The actual number of visitors is very likely to surpass the estimated one."

According to Rowswell, as part of a collaborative agreement with the Canadian government, Cirque du Soleil, a famous performance organization in Canada, has the lead for planning, organizing and managing the cultural program for Canada at the Expo 2010.

It is developing cultural program consisting artistic and interactive shows with the use of high technology, so as to reflect the theme of Canada's exhibition, said Rowswell.

Based on the overall theme of the Expo 2010, Canada's theme is "The Living City: inclusive, sustainable, creative" and will provide a clear focus for its participation.

Rowswell said, Canada is a multi-cultural country and the Chinese factors will be indispensable to its pavilion.

He said, Canada, which held two expos in history, has rich experience and creative program.

"I believe, the Canada Pavilion would become one of the best exhibition halls for the upcoming Expo, " said Rowswell.

The World Expo 2010, with the theme of "Better City, Better Life," will be held from May 1 to October 31 next year and is expected to attract 70 million visitors.