Government of the Federated States of Micronesia

Vice President Alik celebrates FSM National Day at Shanghai World Expo

Shanghai, China (FSM Information Services): August 30, 2010 - As the Chinese Military Band was playing, the flag of the Federated States of Micronesia was raised at the East Square of the World Expo Center in Shanghai at 10:30AM on August 29, 2010; in an official ceremony observed by Vice President Alik; Tu Guangshao, Vice Mayor of Shanghai; and the FSM and Chinese Delegations.

Following the Flag-Raising Ceremony, the officials regrouped for an informal gathering at the Welcome Hall of the Expo Center. Alik thanked the Chinese Government for their financial and technical support which made FSM's participation in the World Expo a reality. "We truly appreciate the opportunity to be part of the World Expo," said Alik, "and we continually look forward to working with the Chinese Government for future projects."

"Our cooperation at the World Expo is a symbol of the good relationship between our two countries," said Guangshao, "this year marks the 21st anniversary of the diplomatic ties between FSM and China; we hope this World Expo will continue to enhance our relationship."

From the Welcome Hall, the delegations proceeded to the Central Hall where both Guangshao, and then Alik, delivered their official speeches to the crowd of spectators in attendance to watch the cultural performances by the Chuukese and Yapese Dancers.

"In showcasing these performances, we hope to impart to our visitors some knowledge and appreciation of the uniqueness of our island country and the fact that it is a peaceful, culturally rich and freedom-loving society with great potential and opportunities for development cooperation," said Alik.

Alik also highlighted that FSM is seeing in-migration of people from small villages to state centers and therefore could relate to the theme of the 2010 World Expo: "Better City, Better Life." "We can take this opportunity not only to showcase who we are and what we are, but also to learn about others and their dreams and hopes of making a better living environment for themselves in an urban setting."

After the Chuuk and Yap dance performances, Guangshao hosted a luncheon for the FSM and Chinese delegations, followed by a visit to the Chinese and Pacific Pavilions. The theme of the Chinese Pavilion, "Chinese Wisdom in Urban Development," saw the creation of exhibitions which take visitors on a quest, encouraging them to discover and learn about the Chinese wisdom in the evolution of its cities. The last exhibit within the Chinese Pavilion, focuses on a low-carbon lifestyle, with an emphasis on recycling, to shape the development of Chinese cities in the future.

Alik then toured the 16 booths of the countries and organizations representing the Pacific Pavilion: FSM, Cook Islands, Fiji, French Polynesia, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu and the South Pacific Tourism Organization. Within the theme "Pacific, an Inspiration for Better Cities," FSM chose its own theme: "Micronesian Traditional Knowledge: a Foundation for Better Cities."

To date, the Pacific Pavilion has seen 5 million visitors and is hoping to cross the 7 million visitor bar by the end of the World Expo on October 31, 2010.