Australia advanced in preparation for exhibition in Shanghai World Expo

Source: Xinhua | 04-07-2009 13:15

SYDNEY, April 7 (Xinhua) -- The foundation works for the Australian pavilion at the Shanghai World Expo 2010 have been completed, making Australia the first national pavilion to pass this important construction milestone, organizers said in an interview with Xinhua.

"We are delighted to be so advanced in our preparations for the Expo," said Peter Tesch, Commissioner General for Australia's exhibition section. "We have an extremely dedicated and talented team working on this important project and have been greatly assisted in our endeavors by the strong co-operation at all levels of the Bureau for Shanghai World Expo Co-ordination."

To mark the occasion, Vice Director of the Bureau of Shanghai World Expo Coordination Huang Jianzhi, and Peter Tesch, poured a mixture of Australian red earth and Chinese soil into a ceremonial vessel that will be placed in the pavilion's foundations.

"The scale of our commitment to this project, which is the largest investment Australia has ever made in a world expo, speaks to the importance we attach to our participation in Expo 2010," Tesch said.

The Australian pavilion will enable us to share with Chinese and international audiences the best of Australian innovation and creativity, including our approaches to addressing the challenges of urban growth and sustainable development, Tesch added.