Significant government and industry attention has been paid to the development of Australia's offering at the 2010 World Expo in Shanghai. While ostensibly a cultural event, the world expos have proved to be significant platforms for international trade promotion and communication.

Australia is selective about the world expos it is involved in and has participated in only 6 in the last 20 years. The 2010 Expo in Shanghai is considered to be of vital importance to Australia's economic health, and when the background of trade between Australia and China is considered, it is not difficult to understand why.

Anthony Byrne, Parliamentary Secretary for Trade reported that "over the last 12 months, as global export volumes dropped by some 20 per cent, Australia's exports to China increased by 30 per cent." This is due in part to the 8% growth in the Chinese economy in 2009, but also to its shifting social changes in lifestyle and expenditure. 70% of China's population is predicted to be middle class by 2020, according to a Goldman Sachs report.

China has been Australia's anchor in the global financial storm, and prospects continue to look rosy for the trade situation between the two nations. This is an essential time for Australian firms to begin or increase their exports and secure a market share in China and other Asian nations.

In light of this, the $83 million spent on Australia's pavilion at the 2010 World Expo is easily put into perspective as a good investment. The pavilion will feature business and cultural events to educate visitors about Australia and arouse the interest of the expected 7 million visitors who will attend over the Expo's timespan. Austrade reports the 200 business events to be held will include "seminars, high-level official visits, business networking events and trade and investment promotion activities".

Organisations and businesses interested in playing a role in the exhibitions are invited to contact Austrade or visit Australia's official Shanghai World Expo 2010 Pavilion website.

• 7 million visitors to Australian pavilion expected / 38,000 per day
• Largest ever World Expo
• 8% growth in Chinese economy in 2009
• Australia's pavilion to include 200+ events, performances & concerts
• $83 million being spent on Australia's World Expo involvement

• Trade Minister's Press Release on China - Australia Trade
• Austrade Media Release on importance of trade with China
• Austrade article on Shanghai World Expo 2010
• Shanghai World Expo 2010 Australian Pavilion