Speech by President of the Republic of Finland Tarja Halonen on Finland Day at the World Expo in Shanghai on 27 May 2010

(check against delivery)

It is a great pleasure for me to attend the Finland Day of the Shanghai World Expo 2010. I am very happy that you, Minister Wan Gang, represent the Government of the People´s Republic of China at the opening of today´s events.

I would like to congratulate China and the City of Shanghai on organising the biggest ever World Expo with a record number of participants.

The theme of the Expo “Better City, Better Life” is an excellent choice. We must build cities which are good for our people to live and work. Urban development must be sustainable and in harmony with the nature.

This year marks the 60th Anniversary of our diplomatic relations. A long-term bilateral trade agreement between our two countries was concluded already in 1953.

Today, China is Finland’s leading trade partner in Asia and our fourth largest partner worldwide. There is still a lot of potential for growth in our cooperation. This week we organized a cleantech seminar in Beijing focusing on cooperation in environmental technologies.

Finnish companies and organizations take an active part in the Expo 2010. Over 70 partners represent our industries and cities here in Shanghai. They play an important role in creating solutions for better cities around the world.

Through the participation in the World Expo 2010, Finland wants to strengthen her cooperation with China and the other countries. We are proud to present our achievements to the Chinese public and all visitors to the exposition.

The Finnish Pavilion is called “Kirnu” or “Giant’s Kettle” or “Binghu” in Chinese. The Pavilion itself is an example of modern Finnish architecture, design and sustainable building. I hope that you will find it interesting and attractive.

Finland’s slogan at the Expo is “Sharing Inspiration”. It encourages interaction and the exchange of views. Sharing inspiration is also important for cultural cooperation. I would like to welcome all of you to enjoy today’s cultural programme which involves both Chinese and Finnish artists.

I declare the Finland Day events at the Shanghai World Expo opened.