About Shanghai Expo 2010

By the year 2010 fifty-five percent (55%) of the world population is expected to live in cities.  The prospect of future urban life, a subject of global interest, concerns all nations, developed or less developed, and their people. Being the first World Exposition on the theme of city, [1][1]Expo 2010 is highly anticipated to be a great event as it will provide an opportunity to explore the full potential of urban life in the 21st century and a significant period in urban evolution.  Focusing on the theme "Better City, Better Life", the Expo 2010 is expected to attract governments and people from across the world. For its 184 days, participants will display urban civilization to the full extent, exchange their experiences of urban development, disseminate advanced notions on cities and explore new approaches to human habitat, lifestyle and working conditions in the new century. They will learn how to create an eco-friendly society and maintain the sustainable development of human beings.

Expo 2010 Shanghai China will centre on innovation and interaction. Innovation is the soul, while cultural interaction is an important mission of World Expositions.  Expo 2010 Shanghai China will contribute to human-centered development, scientific and technological innovation, cultural diversity and win-win cooperation for a better future, thus composing a melody with the key notes of highlighting innovation and interaction in the new century.

Expo Shanghai 2010 is expected to attract about 200 nations and international organizations as well as 70 million visitors from China and abroad.

Introduction

Saint Lucia is a small developing country faced with major challenges as well as opportunities for growth.  The country has been experiencing slow growth in the last five years[2][2]. Preliminary estimates of 2008 indicate that real economic growth has declined to 0.7 percent, the lowest since 2002.[3][3] In light of changes in the global market, exports have declined.  The decline in export has impacted many sectors particularly the manufacturing sector.

In light of the potential that exists for economic growth, the Industrial Policy of Saint Lucia was developed to outline a broad framework for policy intervention aimed at stimulating growth in the manufacturing sector.   Consequently, the development of a National Export Development Strategy was also commissioned.  The strategy outlines at least ten (10) priority areas for exports for the period 2004 - 2008.  The priority export sectors are:-

1. Agriculture,
2. Architecture,
3. Arts and Entertainment,
4. Beverages, Chemicals,
5. Food (Agro processed products),
6. Information Technology,
7. Integrated Marketing and
8. Communications,
9. Nursing Services (Training), 
10. Tourism

Saint Lucia's participation in Expo 2010 will be coordinated by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Consumer Affairs.  The Ministry was selected as the lead agency given its mandate to promote, facilitate and monitor the performance of the country's manufacturing, industrial and commercial activities.

The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Consumer Affairs being cognizant of the challenges facing the manufacturing sector in particular, continues to work with local Business Support Organizations (BSOs) to find new avenues for the promotion and development of export.  Participation in this Expo will thus contribute to the implementation of Industrial Policy and National Export Development Strategy as it relates to:

• Promoting Saint Lucia as an attractive location for  investment
• Seeking export markets for the manufacturing and services sectors
• Enhancing the competitiveness of the manufacturing and services sectors

China is regarded as an emerging economy that offers unlimited prospects for export expansion and investment for CARICOM Countries.   The CRNM Private Sector Trade Brief Volume 20, April to May 2007 reported on the possibilities for trade that exist in the Chinese Market.  The database of the International Trade Centre's reported that CARICOM firms shipped US$238.4% million of Exports to China in 2005 and imported US$616.5 million worth of Chinese products.  For the period 2001 - 2005 export by CARICOM firms to China increased by 67%[4][4].

For more information click on http://en.expo2010.cn/expo/expo_english/oe/bi/userobject1ai48695.html

To view the promotion video click http://en.expo2010.cn/sr/video/index.htm

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