Cape Town, 1 June 2009

Distinguished Guest,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good Evening. First of all, on behalf of the consulate General of the People’s Republic of China, I would like to extend our heart-felt gratitude to Mme. Wu Youying, Vice-Chairwoman of the People’s Political Consultative Conference of Shanghai, and her delegation for bringing the road-show of Shanghai World Expo to Cape Town of South Africa and our warm congratulations to the organizing committee for its endeavour and financial support to make this event a great success. Just now, through the photos and presentations, we all enjoyed a brief history of the World Expo and the preparation of the World Expo in 2010 well under way in Shanghai. So is the preparation of Soccer World Cup in South Africa.

People in South Africa all talk about the Soccer World cup in 2010. Why now the World Expo in 2010 in Shanghai? It seems there is a timing conflict, but we can combine the two world events and I will offer you three scenarios to make it a drama. The background is from May the 1st to October the 31st of the World Expo in Shanghai and from June the 1st to July the 11th of the Soccer World Cup in South Africa.

First, to raise the curtain - from the 1st of May to the 10th of June, in the 40-odd days before the opening of the World Cup, South Africa can make full use of its pavilion in the World Expo in Shanghai to promote its culture, sceneries and brand names through the promotion of the Soccer World Cup.

Secondly, under the limelight - from the opening to the closing day of the Soccer World Cup, thousands upon thousands of soccer fans as well as ordinary visitors would flood into the South Africa Pavilion to watch the opening and closing ceremonies as much as the games. The spot light will focus on South African Pavilion in shanghai throughout the period.

Thirdly, a curtain call – from July the 12th to October the 31st, though the soccer game is over, yet South Africa is still in play. Soccer fans will revisit and revisit the South Africa Pavilion to review the flashbacks of excellent goals and extra-ordinary retrieves. Those who have missed some matches may come to the pavilion to make up for it. For ordinary audience, they may come and enjoy the singing and dancing and South African performances.

How many countries and regions will participate in the World Expo? Totally 240 with expected 70 million visitors. This means South Africa is reaching out to as many countries and regions and as many people. So it will achieve an economically efficient end-result. However, I will not ask for royalty for my novel and ingenious idea, but I will be more than glad to accept the invitation to see the World Cup in South Africa and visit the World Expo in Shanghai.

The theme of Shanghai World Expo is Better City, Better Life. Shanghai deserves it and Cape Town deserves it.

In conclusion,

From May the 1st to October 31st of 2010,

The World Expo will be held in Shanghai of China.

From June 1st to July 11th of 2010,

The Soccer of the World Cup will be played in South Africa.

Superficially, it appears to be a timing conflict,

Actually, they are extravaganza world gala,

Serving as a rainbow bridge across Africa and Asia.

To the two international events in the new decade,

We hail hurrah!

Come to Cape Town to watch the soccer games and go to Shanghai to visit the World Expo!

See you here and see you there!

Thank you.