It is officially reported that Shanghai won the bid for the 2010 World Exposition.
Unlike a trade fair in the usual sense, participants in the World Exposition are mainly governments of various countries and international organizations. The World Exposition is an arena for the participating countries to display the achievements and prospects in their social, economic, cultural and technological sectors and a grand event where people from various countries gather together to exchange experiences, learn from one another and enter into cooperation. Known as the "economic, technological and cultural Olympic Games," the World Exposition is held every five years. Since its inception in London in 1851, the World Exposition has been invariably held in developed countries. Now that Shanghai has won the bid this time, China is the first developing country to host the World Exposition.
Hosting the Exposition will have a positive impact on China, for China will be able not only to draw useful experiences of other countries to further its reform and opening-up process and, in particular, promote the economic development in the Changjiang River basin, but also to strengthen its friendly relations with other countries.
The theme of the 2010 World Exposition is "Better City, Better Life", which is characterized by three distinctive features: reflecting the spirit of our age, being original in concept and having universal significance.
Cities are a fruit of human civilization in respect of living space.More and more people have made their homes in cities in pursuit of a better life.With the advent of the new century,urbanization will be further accelerated worldwise.Cities have already become the focus of attention of statesmen,economists and social activists around the world.
Along with urbanization,various diseases typical of cities are becoming increasingly serious.Countries across the world face many common problems in the development of their cities,which need to be addressed.However,so far a comprehensive World Exposition with the city as its theme has not been held in its history.
With "City" as the theme,the World Exposition will have universal significance.Countries,big or small,developed or developing,may display their respective achievement in the development of cities,and they will also be able to learn useful experiences in city development from the exhibition of other countries.
The venue of the 2010 World Exposition will be the World Exposition Center of Shanghai to be located in Pudong New Area on the Huangpu River. The Exposition will remain open for six months, which is expected to attract more than 70 million visitors.
