Minister for Trade Simon Crean today officially launched Australia's pavilion for Shanghai World Expo 2010 and announced details of Australia's $83 million investment in the project.
It is predicted Expo 2010 will be the biggest world expo in history.
"China is going to be the fastest growing major economy this year with growth of 8 per cent, it is also an economy in significant transition - and Shanghai is going to be the centre of action," Mr Crean said.
"We cannot afford not to be a part of Shanghai Expo."
"This is $83 million well spent in promoting how we can get a better share of the action."
"The scale of our participation reflects the Government's intention to take full advantage of this opportunity to promote increased trade and two-way investment and to help Australian companies grab market share in China."
"The pavilion will showcase Australian capability, innovation and achievement to 38,000 people each day."
"It will also be the perfect place for the international launch of the Building Brand Australia, which is scheduled for May," Mr Crean said.
Being built in China by Australian company Bovis Lend Lease, the pavilion will host an array of exhibitions, a targeted program of over 200 business events, and a diverse cultural program of daily performances and a major, national day concert.
Some 3,700 applications have been received for 180 positions to work at the pavilion showing the level of interest amongst young Australians in this event.
Today Mr Crean also launched the second phase of Australia's pavilion website. It features an interactive map of Australia and the first glimpse of pavilion exhibitions.
Mr Crean, who has visited China six times as Trade Minister, said Shanghai Expo was the perfect chance to promote the diversity of what Australia has to offer.
"China is in the midst of massive urbanisation and Australia has the expertise in green-building to help China construct housing for 400 million people over the next 20 years."
"We also have the expertise in automobile design and engineering to help the Chinese car industry which is now the biggest in the world."
"Through Shanghai Expo, we will highlight our strengths, showcase emerging sectors and strengthen institutional links with China. The states and territories, led by Victoria and Queensland, will be active partners in showcasing Australian capability," Mr Crean said.
Leading Australian companies and institutions including the ANZ, BlueScope Steel, Rio Tinto, Qantas, Lend Lease, the University of Sydney and Telstra are partnering with the Commonwealth and all states and territories are actively supporting Australia's participation through cash and in-kind contributions. Together, their cash investment totals close to $10 million.
Mr Alex Thursby, CEO Asia Pacific, Europe and America for platinum sponsor ANZ spoke at the launch. He was joined by pavilion platinum sponsors Mr Doug Ritchie, Chief Executive Energy for Rio Tinto, and Mr Gerry Tidd, Executive Vice President Corporate Affairs for BlueScope Steel, who have provided and installed the pavilion's unique weather-steel cladding.