"We are delighted with Australia's participation in the Expo 2010 Shanghai. When we decided to commit to participate, we knew we had to do a good job. This is the biggest ever commitment by the Australian government at a World Expo, with an investment of A$83 million. It is an opportunity for us to showcase the very best of Australia. Everything in this building showcases Australia's technological capability and creativity.
We have had 7.6 million visitors come to our pavilion, and we expect that number will reach the 8-million mark before the Expo closes. We got a universally positive response from all of our Chinese audiences. Many people came back for repeat visits because they enjoyed it.
We also had a very comprehensive business program. This has helped to showcase the soft side of Australia. China is Australia's largest trading partner. We want to grow that relationship. We know if we do not work at it, we'll lose our position, because there is a lot of competition. There is a perception about Australia that all we do is mining, but interestingly 70 percent of Australia's economy is comprised of the service sector.
There are many areas in which Chinese and Australians share common interests. The Shanghai Expo has provided a great opportunity for Chinese to know about Australians, and also for Australians to learn about Chinese."
(China Daily 10/29/2010)
