Commentary: 2010 World Expo, challenge and opportunity

BEIJING, Feb. 23 -- Hosting a successful World Expo

in 2010 is always going to be a tall order. It becomes even more formidable

after the splendid Beijing Olympics last August. Now, the world economic crisis

has made this "economic and technological Olympics" even more arduous.

To call it an arduous and exciting task reflects the

Chinese perception of a crisis, which brings both danger and opportunity.

A triumphant expo would bring much-needed hope and

confidence to China and the world to combat sweeping economic woes, which are

spreading like wildfires from the developed world into developing countries.

In this sense, the Shanghai Expo could be a great

platform for countries and corporations to prove what they are capable of in

times of great difficulties. This is indeed challenging and exciting.

Also exciting is the fact that the Shanghai Expo is

likely to be the largest of its kind in history, regardless of the economic

hardships.

Already 231 countries and international organizations

had promised by Feb 4 to attend the extravaganza.

And so far no organization has backed out of its

commitment. This will help fulfill China's pledge to attract 200 countries and

international organizations.

The enthusiasm from the participating countries and

organizations demonstrates their belief in the importance of fighting the

economic disaster together. It also shows their optimism in China and Shanghai,

respectively among the fastest growing countries and cities in the world.

The Chinese government has thrown its full weight

behind the expo since the very beginning.

It has been keeping its word on offering $100

million to developing countries in assisting them to take part.

China is also building 11 joint pavilions named after

Africa, South Pacific, Caribbean Community, South America, Asia, Europe, United

Nations and International Organizations to make it easier for more countries and

organizations to attend.

Excitement aside, the challenges facing the expo,

only 14 months away, are many and not easy.

It won't be easy to get all the countries, which

promised to attend, to finally sign the contracts, in the wake of the financial

crisis. The major concern now seems to be the United States, which prohibits

government financing of such exhibitions. Private fund-raising has also met

great hurdles.

So it is likely that the largest economic and

technological power on earth may attend the expo with a reduced budget or even

miss the event, as it did in Hanover, Germany, in 2000 and Zaragosa, Spain, last

year.

Other countries might also have to scale back their

commitments in order to appease public opinion.

The number of international travelers, expected to

account for 5 percent of the estimated 70 million visitors during the six-month

long party, may also be down.

Declining occupancy at five-star hotels in major

Chinese cities is perhaps a portent.

China and host city Shanghai will also need to be

cost conscious amid the many social and economic challenges they face.

World Expos have created many miracles in history.

Now it is Shanghai's turn.

(Source: China Daily)