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China has celebrated the opening of the Shanghai World Expo, a celebration of global culture, drawing exhibits from all over the world in specially designed pavilions.

The Expo, which reportedly has cost more than the Beijing Olympics, is expected to attract 70 million people over the next six months.

It is the first time a developing country has hosted the Expo, described as the Olympic Games of the economy, science and technology.

Australia, one of more than 190 nations taking part in the international showcase, has welcomed its first eager visitors as the Expo opened to the public.

The Australian pavilion, which was completed ahead of time and on budget, has already earned praise and an award from Expo organisers, winning the prestigious Civilised Site Award.

Over the six months of the expo, the Australian pavilion will host a range of cultural and business programs designed to showcase Australia’s innovation and dynamism under the Expo theme ‘Better City, Better Life’.

Commissioner General for Australia, Lyndall Sachs explained “Australia’s is a striking national pavilion, targeted trade and investment promotion activities, and associated cultural and communications programs will further enhance our already strong bilateral links with China.

“Consistent with the Expo theme, 'Better City, Better Life', our pavilion promotes Australia's cities, which are consistently ranked amongst the most liveable in the world, as ideal places in which to study, live and work. The pavilion also focuses on the creativity of Australian people, the drivers of our better cities and better lives.”

“The pavilion’s clever interior combines both static and dynamic exhibits to engage and educate visitors in three distinct but inter-related "acts" – Journey, Discover and Enjoy.”

“These three acts, combined with a staff of over 200 bilingual Australians, will project a clear image of contemporary Australia: a country with a sophisticated modern economy, a skilled and well-educated workforce, and a culturally diverse society.”

The pavilion’s business program is a core component of Australia’s $83 million investment in the Expo and is designed to provide a unique platform for strengthening Australia’s already strong relationship with China, showcasing Australian creativity, innovation and commercial capability.

Sachs continued “over the 184 days of the Expo, our VIP facility will play host to over 200 targeted business program events including seminars, policy roundtables and promotions, all designed to broaden and enhance bilateral and commercial bonds between China and Australia.

“Our business program encapsulates a diverse range of industry sectors including Australia's world class financial services; green building and renewable energy; resources; biotechnology, education; and information and communications technology.”

The Australian pavilion’s offering is bolstered by a bespoke cultural program. Although designed to resonate with a primarily Mandarin-speaking audience, music, mime, humour, dance, visual art and new media will be used to engage and entertain people from all over the world.

“Through a clever fusion of genres and styles, and by drawing on some of Australia's finest creative talent, Chinese and international audiences alike will be enthralled by the talent, passion and beauty of Australia’s creative industries,” concluded Sachs.

The Australian pavilion cultural program consists of three main components:

• Two resident companies – aerialists who perform daily in the Australian pavilion atrium, and The Sand Bar band providing musical entertainment in and around the pavilion;

• A visiting artists program of highly skilled artists and musicians who will perform at the pavilion and across the Expo site during the six month program; and

• Large-scale National Day events on 8th June 2010.

The Australian pavilion recently participated in a series of "soft opening" days organised by the Expo Bureau, and received huge crowds and rave reviews. Voted by many media outlets as one of the top five must-see pavilions, the Australian pavilion is likely to be one of the most visited and highly regarded in Shanghai.

Images: Night view of an illuminated 'sun valley' structure, part of the Expo Axis complex, Expo Shanghai 2010, Shanghai (top, credit: Gary718/Shutterstock.com) and the Australian Pavilion at the Expo (below, credit: Austrade).

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