Goals and Expectations for the Shanghai 2010 World Expo

The Freeman Chair in China Studies at Center for Strategic & International Studies presents a talk on the upcoming World Expo.

Ambassador Frank Lavin
Chairman
USA Pavilion Steering Committee
 
Jose H. Villarreal
US Commissioner General
Shanghai 2010 World Expo
 
Moderated by Charles W. Freeman III, Chairholder, CSIS Freeman Chair in China Studies

Following on the heels of the widely-acclaimed 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, China sees "EXPO 2010 Shanghai China" as another great opportunity to showcase a "rising China" to the world as well as to its own population.  The Shanghai Expo (May 1-October 31) is expected to be the largest World's Fair in history, encompassing over 1200 acres and with over 70 million projected visitors.  Additionally, the adopted theme of "Better City, Better Life" is intended to give Shanghai a chance to highlight its own development as a major global economic and cultural center. 

After some speculation that the U.S. might not successfully fund and build a pavilion prior to the May start date, the USA Pavilion is now fully on track.  It is expected to be one of the largest draws for more than 60 million Chinese visitors.  This is seen as an opportunity for the United States to share America's story, its achievements, dynamism and core values.  In her message to the American sponsors, Secretary Clinton underscored U.S. participation in the EXPO as an expression of our commitment to strengthen U.S. ties with China and to remain a leader in the region.

Charles Freeman will moderate a discussion on the Shanghai Expo with Ambassador Frank Lavin and Commissioner General Jose H. Villarreal, both central figures in the planning and execution of the USA Pavilion in Shanghai.  Topics for this presentation will include expectations and goals for the Expo and benchmarks for success from China’s point of view.

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 Seating is limited. Please RSVP to Carl Rubinstein at crubinstein@csis.org or at (202) 775-3188.