The U.S. Ambassador to China, Jon Huntsman, and the Deputy Secretary General of Shanghai Municipal Government and Director General of the Shanghai World Expo Coordination Bureau, Hong Hao, joined hands and drew Chinese calligraphy together on a vertical beam of the steel structure of the USA National Pavilion at the 2010 Shanghai World Expo, and wished the Pavilion and the Expo a great success.
The beam was also signed by USA Pavilion Co-Founder Ellen Eliasoph and Board Chairman Kenneth Jarrett, symbolizing the privat
e-sector and governmental cooperation that is making the USA Pavilion possible. The “topping-off” ceremony was held to mark the completion of the super structure of the USA Pavilion, which broke ground on July 17, 2009. It was attended by officials from the U.S. Embassy in Beijing, the U.S. Consulate General in Shanghai, and the Bureau of World Expo Coordination.
This was Jon Huntsman’s first visit to Shanghai after he was sworn in as U.S. Ambassador to China on August 11, 2009. The new Ambassador’s presence at the event underscores the personal support to the project of U.S. Secretary of State, Hilary R. Clinton.
“The Shanghai World Expo offers an unprecedented opportunity for U.S. companies and organizations to hoist their flag in one of the most important centers of world commerce and an important cultural center,” said Secretary Clinton, “Our national Pavilion will showcase American business and technology, as well as cultures and values to foster stronger friendship between the American and Chinese peoples as it also demonstrates America’s commitment to a forward-looking, positive relationship with China.”
At over 60,000 square feet (6,000 square meters), the USA National Pavilion will be one of the largest national pavilions at the Expo. The U.S.’ presence at the Expo will be the fruits of a unique collaboration between the U.S. Department of State and Pavilion sponsors that will include leading America-based companies and organizations. With the theme of “Rise to the Challenge”, the design concept of the USA Pavilion rests on four thematic pillars: Sustainability, Teamwork, Health, and the Chinese Community in America. The Pavilion’s construction is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
For more information on the USA Pavilion, please visit www.usapavilion2010.com.
See also:
World Expos: USA Pavilion Store Launches
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World's Fairs: NYSE Euronext Joins as Sponsor of USA National Pavilion at 2010 Shanghai World Expo