Norwegian EXPO 2010 pavilion will showcase sustainability

Today, Norway signed the contract with the EXPO 2010 organisation in Shanghai. State Secretary Øyvind Slåke, Vice Minister of Trade and Industry, attended the ceremony. The site for the pavilion has thereby been officially handed over, and the work on the pavilion can now begin. 

-This is an important landmark for our participation at EXPO 2010, says Slåke. – I am very impressed by the work that has been done by the Shanghai EXPO organisation in planning for this important event.

China and Norway already have good relations. Through the Norwegian participation at EXPO 2010, the two countries wish to enhance their relations even more.

- We consider participation at EXPO 2010 as important for our long term efforts towards a strengthened relationship with China, says Slåke. Norway aims at further developing relations with China in areas such as business, culture, research and development.

China has experienced an impressive economic growth over the last years and is Norway’s most important trading partner in Asia. Shanghai in particular is an important area for Norwegian trade and investments. Participation in EXPO is therefore very attractive for Norwegian business interests in China.

The Norwegian concept for EXPO -  ”Norway. Powered by nature” - gives a broad interpretation of sustainable development that links the use of resources and energy conservation, social aspects and identity to the innovative architecture of the pavilion. Visitors will be invited for a walk through an artificial forest made up of fifteen “trees” of different sizes.

The Norwegian participation is organised as a joint venture between the public and private sectors. Det Norske Veritas, the Kongsberg Group, Wilhelm Wilhelmsen ASA, StatoilHydro and the tourism sector have already confirmed their participation in the project. 

- This will be a very exciting project. The theme of the Shanghai EXPO, Better City Better Life, is both timely and important, and with a clear, universal element. For Norway it suits our national and international priorities very well. We have participation from both the private and the public sectors, we have a great concept, and today the location on the EXPO site. Now we can start constructing the pavilion, says Slåke.