Worldexpo 2010: a victim of the recession?

by jiazi via FlickrThe news that the USA might not be showing up at the Woldexpo 2010 in Shanghai might not come as a surprise, but is still a nasty development for China and Shanghai. Shanghaiist (h/t Paul Woodward) was the first to note the announcement at a US site for the Worldexpo:

Beginning on May 1, 2010, and continuing for six months, the nations of the world will gather in Shanghai to participate in what is forecast to be the largest, most heavily attended Worlds Fair in history. Incredibly, without immediate and decisive action on the part of America’s leaders in commerce and in government, the United States of America will be glaringly absent from this global celebration.
The result would be an insult to the Chinese government, global humiliation for the American people, and a serious blow to U.S. commercial prospects in the vast Chinese and other regional markets. The repercussions could reverberate for decades. We don’t want this to happen!

I have seen the Worldexpo site develop for a long time under my previous Shanghai office and for sure there is no way back for Shanghai from this massive event, economic crisis or not. Next question is what the rest of the countries are going to do. Much effort and money has already been put in the preparations, but I expect the coming months a lot of difficult discussions in the capitals of the world on this issue.
I believe under these circumstances, having China as the main economic force showing positive growth - be it less than expected - needs such an event to turn the current negative mood.

Commercial
What role is China going to play in the ongoing economic downturn? The jury is still out, but leading voices at the China Speakers Bureau might be able to help you to get a sense of direction. Do let us know if you need them.

William Bao Bean
by Fons1 via Flickr

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