Secretary of State Clinton Visit Boosts U.S.A. Pavilion at Shanghai Expo 2010

WORLD EXPO PLANNING SHIFTS INTO HIGH GEAR.

PASADENA, Calif. -- Secretary of State Hillary Clinton emphasized the importance of participating in the U.S.A. Pavilion in Shanghai during a visit to the construction site. Energized by Secretary Clinton's visit and show of support, American executives are embarking on an effort to raise awareness around the country of the role that the U.S.A. Pavilion will play in next year's World Expo and the benefits it will provide to companies seeking to increase their presence in a dynamic and growing market.

The first-ever World Expo held in China will run from May through October 2010, and is expected to attract 70 million visitors - more than any Expo in 150 years of Expo or World Trade Fair history. To date, 192 countries and 45 international organizations have accepted invitations to attend the World Expo, the largest number in Expo history.

At the construction site, Secretary Clinton praised American companies that have already committed to taking part in the Pavilion, saying that they understood "the importance of the Expo, the American role here and what this U.S.A. Pavilion here can do to strengthen cooperation and partnership between the American people and the people of China."

"I know there are some in the audience who are still contemplating sponsorship or who may be in negotiation with the U.S. Pavilion team," she said. "Now is the time to join this effort."

Nick Winslow, president of the U.S.A. Pavilion, said that Secretary Clinton's visit has energized efforts to attract more U.S. companies to support the Pavilion. "Secretary Clinton is providing the spark plug of enthusiasm for this project. And we are working steadily with American companies to show them how the Pavilion offers a terrific opportunity to strengthen their presence in China and increase exports into a massive and growing market."

"As Secretary Clinton's visit underscores, the Pavilion offers a tremendous opportunity for American companies in one of the world's fastest growing markets. As China prepares to host the largest World Expo in history, the Pavilion will allow U.S. organizations to present America's story to 60 million Chinese visitors and top Chinese government officials over a period of six months and to demonstrate our commitment to strengthening U.S. - China relations and engagement in Asia,'' said Winslow.

The U.S.A. Pavilion is a 501(c)3 entity with offices based in Pasadena.

Winslow said that U.S.A. Pavilion officials are planning meetings around the U.S. with companies interested in sponsoring the $61 million effort.

Corporate sponsors of the U.S.A. Pavilion include: Boeing Co., Chevron Corp., Dell, Deloitte LLP, Dow Chemical, General Electric Co., Honeywell International Inc., Intel Corp., Johnson & Johnson, Marriott, Microsoft, Motorola, the New York Stock Exchange, Panasonic Integrated Systems, Procter & Gamble Co., Pfizer Ltd., PepsiCo Inc., Qualcomm Inc., Wal-Mart, and Yum! Brands.