San Antonio Days opens with success

San Antonio Mayor Julián Castro and City Council members Elisa Chan, Mary Alice Cisneros, Ray Lopez, and John Clamp launched "San Antonio Days" at the2010 World Expo in Shanghai before an audience of 120 dignitaries at the USA Pavilion Ballroom. Included in the audience were five Chinese government representatives from cities with populations of more than six million who were invited to the "San Antonio Salute" following a six-city preparatory mission in March.

News conferences involving 12 Chinese media outlets featured question-and-answer sessions with Mayor Castro and the City Council members on a range of issues including the impact of HemisFair '68, renewable energy, San Antonio's economic resiliency and the city's demographics. Mayor Castro cited the legacy of our city's successful long-term relations with Japan as a strong rationale to explore new opportunities in China.

Mayor Castro said the Expo is "an opportunity for those who are interested at looking into investing in San Antonio to learn about business opportunities in our city."

Noting her Chinese heritage, Councilwoman Chan emphasized that "San Antonio embraces diversity. This message of acceptability is conducive to attracting Chinese investment." On the differences in our respective public education structures and approach to public safety, Councilman Clamp emphasized "how much we can learn from one another on the critical role of parents in our education systems."
 
Mayor Castro and Ambassador Jose Villarreal stressed the significance of San Antonio's presence at the Expo. Deputy City Manager A.J. Rodriguez delivered the central luncheon presentation of San Antonio being a strong, diverse and growing global city. Chin Foster of the San Antonio Convention and Visitor's Bureau delivered remarks on our quality of life in Mandarin.