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The World Trade Organization Pavilion celebrated its Honor Day at the Expo Center this afternoon.

Pascal Lamy, director-general of the World Trade Organization, talked about how trade has throughout history given rise to many great cities at the symposium in the center. Trade has, for many cities, been a source of prosperity, cultural richness and, from time to time, conflict as cities sought to control trade routes and access to foreign markets, he said.

He said the open cities and trade centers generated great wealth, while the wealth of the great merchant cities extends far beyond money. “As cities open to trade and traders, these communities have served as centers for the exchange of ideas and culture as well as goods and services. These cities are home to great artists, intellectuals, scientists and athletes as well as business leaders and financiers. This rich tapestry of diversity and innovation makes these cities far more than merchant cities alone.”

China’s Vice Commerce Minister Gao Hucheng said China is committed to the opening-up policy and advocates multilateral trade after becoming a member of WTO. It is also abiding by the WTO rules and regulations and is improving transparency in trade, he noted.

China made an all-out effort to the rejuvenation and recovery of world economy, which won worldwide recognition, he noted.

A photo exhibition about WTO was held at the UN Pavilion.

(Source: en.expo2010.cn)

Hunan is showcasing its cultural splendor, from embroidery to porcelain painting and tea art, at the Expo site with the unveiling of Hunan week at the Baosteel Stage this morning.

More than 430 artists will stage 75 shows in the following week to showcase the colorful cultures of central China’s Hunan Province.

The week features performances with a Hunan flavor and an intangible cultural heritage exhibition at the Baosteel Stage and Celebration Square.

Hunan recreates Taohuayuan (The Land of Peach Blossoms) – inspired by the masterpiece “Peach Blossom Spring” – at its 600-square-meter exhibition for the 2010 World Expo. It aims to display the model of a highly eco-friendly, cozy and dream-like place for living.

Xu Shousheng, deputy secretary of the Hunan Provincial CPC Committee and acting governor of Hunan Province, welcomed visitors from home and abroad to the Hunan Pavilion to appreciate the glamour of Taohuayuan and the beauty of Hunan, at the opening ceremony this morning.

Shanghai Mayor Han Zheng said the week displays Hunan’s history, culture and aspiration for a good future and he believed the week should promote the cooperation and exchange between Shanghai and Hunan.

Wang Jinzhen, a member of the National Organizing Committee of the Expo and vice chairman of China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, said the Expo is a platform for Hunan to expand promotion and strengthen exchange and cooperation with the world.

(Source: en.expo2010.cn)