OTTAWA, May 16, 2010 - On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, the Honourable Stockwell Day, President of the Treasury Board and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, today launched the business program at the Canada Pavilion at Expo 2010 in Shanghai and opened the conference facilities in the Pavilion.
Located on the second floor of the Canada Pavilion, the Power Corporation Conference Centre and Visitors' Lounge can accommodate up to 350 people and includes a range of audiovisual equipment. Other business resources include an executive boardroom, computer stations, and wireless internet access.
"Officials from the public and private sectors alike will have access to the business and meeting facilities at the Pavilion. Senior Canadian policy makers, corporate leaders, and entrepreneurs will lead presentations and discussions that highlight innovative Canadian solutions to challenges common to urban centres," said Minister Moore.
"Our business program will support Canadian representatives as they inform Chinese investors and entrepreneurs on investment opportunities and on establishing North American-based operations. Seminars will showcase ways to do business with Canada," said Minister Day.
Canada's Commissioner General Mark Rowswell, or "Dashan" as he is known in China, opened the Canada Pavilion on May 1. The Pavilion, imagined and designed by Cirque du Soleil and constructed by SNC-Lavalin, interprets Canada's theme "The Living City: inclusive, sustainable, creative."
The Canada Pavilion is the result of a unique collaboration between the Government of Canada and Cirque du Soleil. Since its opening, the Pavilion has consistently been one of the most popular features of Expo 2010 Shanghai and receives between 20,000 and 30,000 visitors daily. It is also one of the largest pavilions at Expo 2010–the biggest exposition ever, with 242 countries and organizations participating. The Expo runs from May 1 to October 31, 2010.
Through its business, cultural, and culinary programming, the Canada Pavilion at Expo 2010 will advance Canada's foreign and trade policy goals; strengthen economic, diplomatic, and cultural ties with China; and shape and strengthen Canada's brand in China.
Canada's International Expositions Program, part of the Department of Canadian Heritage, is responsible for planning, coordinating, and implementing Canada's participation in international expositions sanctioned by the Bureau of International Expositions.
For more information about Canada's participation in international expositions, visit www.canadianheritage.gc.ca/progs/expo/index_e.cfm and www.expo2010canada.gc.ca.
Matthew Deacon
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
and Official Languages
819-997-7788
matthew.deacon@pch.gc.ca
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
media@pch.gc.ca
