SHOWS & MOVIES ON LINE : Shanghai Expo Promotional Campaign held in MOA

Shanghai Expo Promotional Campaign held in MOA

Monday, March 29, 2010

Philstar.com

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua)

A two-day promotional campaign to introduce the World Expo 2010 to be held in Shanghai to people of the Philippines was held at the Mall of Asia in Manila of the Philippines on Saturday, attracting 1,000 people.

The event, "World Expo Tourism Promotional Campaign in 100 cities of the World", was jointly organized by the Cultural Office of Chinese Embassy in Philippines, the China National Tourist Office in Singapore for ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) countries and Federation of Philipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce.

Addressing the opening ceremony, Chinese Ambassador Liu Jianchao said that the Shanghai World Expo is going to be a meeting place where over 200 countries will showcase their colorful national excellence, with a common wish for achieving a harmonious urban life through innovative ideas in science, technology and culture.

"We are grateful for the strong support from the government and people of the Philippines with your active participation in the Expo.

We are looking forward to gaining inspirations from your creativeness and imagination," Liu said, adding, " Shanghai is ready, China is ready. Our arms are wide open to welcome you, and with you, to embrace the 'Better City, Better Life'".

In his speech, Philippinese Foreign Affairs Under- Secretary Franklin Ebdalin said, events such as these are essential in cultural diplomacy, which serves to foster political and economic diplomacy.

These campaigns serve to promote tourism, foreign investment and socio-economic development in targeted locations.

They also serve to lessen the adverse effects of the global crisis, he said, adding that the Philippine success in the Expo will translate to more business opportunities.

Their speeches were followed by colorful activities such as songs, dances, martial arts and Beijing Opera and luck draw.

Some pictures of the Shanghai World Expo pavilions were also shown during the event.