World Expo 2010 Shanghai China

The third largest international event right behind World Cup and Olympics, the 2010 World Expo is going to be held in my hometown Shanghai. I just came back from Shanghai not long ago, I can already feel the excitement of the host city for this international event. Themed merchandise and construction are everywhere.

Canada will be one of the Expo participants (left: Canada Pavilion). The 6000 meter future pavilion will have the theme of "The Living City: Inclusive, Sustainable, Creative." Sustainable urban living will be a very hot topic for this Expo and most participants will showcase their related innovative technology. China and its government is becoming more and more invested in this issue as well while the country projects 70% of its population will live in urban areas by 2035.

After the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics, China has proved she is very capable of pulling off a great international gathering. The world got a first in depth look at what China can offer as a nation. People! I hope you are thinking the same thing. 1.33 billion people which is almost 20% of the world's population. That is a massive customer base (aka spending power house) that many companies have their eyes on.

The duration of the Expo is May 1 to Oct 31, 2010. Over 70 million visitors are expected to attend with 200 countries participating in the event. Visitors will get a chance to visit the world in a few days within a few hundred kilometers in Shanghai. Of course, it is not only going to be just a culture exchange. It is a great opportunity for businesses looking to expand into China and other markets to interact with each other face to face.