May 1st World Expo 2010 in Shanghai opened. Visitors from home and abroad thronged the gates of the Expo Park, forming long queues for security checks. By end of the day, expo organizers said that the number of visitors reached 204,000.
The theme of the Swedish pavilion is “Spirit of Innovation” and the opening day was highlighted by Swedish creativity in different ways, eg. street by Sweden cultural performance, guided tour, and design award ceremony etc.
The Swedish pavilion was inaugurated by the Swedish Minister for Trade, Dr. Ewa Björling in a very Chinese way with Swedish characteristics – Dala horse eye painting. In the welcome speech, Dr. Ewa Björling pointed out the importance of Sino-Swedish collaborations in various creative industries. The inauguration ceremony took place in the public entrance hall. And the Swedish pavilion was open to public after 12:00am.
“I feel proud when seeing and touching the Swedish pavilion covered with our product-Prelaq Energy. I strongly recommend our customers to come and experience the Swedish pavilion both in the physical exhibition and the cultural experience, “ says Martin Pei, Head of Business Area SSAB APAC.
Martin Pei, President of SSAB APAC and Jesper Gordon, Mananger for Marketing and Business Development, SSAB APAC in front of the Swedish pavilion.
In the afternoon, the design award ceremony was held in the pavilion. The design competition was organized by the Swedish pavilion in cooperation with Tongji University of Art. One hundred students participated in this race to create new, innovative, sustainable gadgets. Some of the final products are available in the gift shop of Swedish pavilion.
During 13-14 May, SSAB will have a VIP day event inside the Swedish pavilion, including exhibition, seminars and press conferences.