As the largest economic centre in China, Shanghai is an example of successful development following 32 years of reform and opening-up. The Chinese Pavilion Crown of the East showcases 5,000 years of the Chinese civilization. But the two million municipal and 200,000 expo volunteers are without doubt the best advertisement for the city. And Expo Families will provide a unique opportunity for visitors to mingle with the ordinary citizens and appreciate their local culture. We hope that the Expo will present to the world a true and objective insight into dynamic China, a China that stands for peaceful development and mutual benefit achieved through cooperation among all nations.

The Shanghai Expo provides an opportunity for closer trade and investment ties between China and the UK, along with greater scientific and technological cooperation. The British Pavilion, known as the Pavilion of Creativity, or the Seed Cathedral, has been given the interesting name of Dandelion by Chinese internet users. Both the architectural design and interior decoration of the Pavilion have shown extraordinary creativity and demonstrated Britain's rich experience and vision. The British government, business and society at large have taken an active part in the Shanghai Expo. I am also told that there will be more than a hundred events involving British businesses during the Expo, including: ? the Financial Week, ? Creative Industry series, ? And Science and Innovation Workshops, along with a rich variety of cultural and technological shows.