SHANGHAI, China, June 2, 2010 - On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, the one-millionth visitor to the Canada Pavilion at Expo 2010 in Shanghai was welcomed by the Honourable Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance, and the Honourable Peter Van Loan, Minister of International Trade. The milestone was reached while they were in Shanghai in the course of an official visit to China.
"One million visitors in one month confirms the popularity of the Canada Pavilion as a destination of choice. Reaching this milestone quickly is a major achievement," said Minister Moore. "This bodes well for the continuing success of our endeavours at this important international exposition."
"We greeted a distinguished guest today: our millionth visitor. Our Government is proud to welcome Qiao Ren Biao to the Canada Pavilion. The response from the Chinese population is very positive," said Minister Jim Flaherty. "The pavilion has established a modern image of Canada in the hearts and imaginations of a million Chinese and international visitors. We are confident that we will welcome millions of other visitors by the end of October 2010."
"Canada's pavilion is a great showcase for the expertise, innovative thinking, and creativity of Canadian companies," said Minister Van Loan. "Chinese entrepreneurs and investors will be interested in the business component of the Pavilion and will be able to find out about the many diverse business opportunities available in Canada. I would like to thank Qiao Ren Biao for his interest in the Canada Pavilion. I know that this same interest in Canada is shared by many here in Shanghai and around the world. "
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 in Shanghai.
The Canada Pavilion has seen near-capacity crowds every day since the opening of the Expo on May 1, 2010. Qiao Ren Biao received special Canada Pavilion souvenirs and the opportunity to have a photo taken with Canada's Commissioner General to Expo, Mark H. Rowswell, known in China as Dashan.
Canadians can enjoy the Canada Pavilion, even if a trip to China is not on their itinerary this summer, through a virtual visit to the pavilion, which is available online.
For more information about Canada's participation in Expo 2010 Shanghai or to see the virtual Canada Pavilion, visit 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
Annette Robertson
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of
Finance
613-996-7861
Jack Aubry
Media Relations
Department of Finance
613-996-8080
Monika Bujalska
Press Secretary
Minister of International Trade
613-992-9304
Trade Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade
613-996-2000
