City and business leaders travel to Shanghai for 2010 World Expo

Mayor Julián Castro and Councilwoman Elisa Chan will lead a delegation of more than 70 city and business leaders to Shanghai, China on Saturday, May 22 to attend the 2010 World Expo. While in China, the delegation will not only represent the City of San Antonio at the largest exposition in history, but it also will work to forge economic and cultural relations and create business opportunities. In addition, Mayor Castro will sign Friendship City Agreements with the two Chinese cities of Suzhou and Wuxi.

"Twenty-five years ago, the city of San Antonio developed a relationship with Japan that has paid dividends ever since," Mayor Castro said. "We anticipate that a new relationship with China, and its booming economy, will be just as fruitful for our city."

Leaders from the business community are also part of the delegation. Long-term relationships in Asia are conducive to business development and new foreign investments that will benefit San Antonio. "The anticipation is building for the San Antonio delegation, we are all excited to help put San Antonio on the world-wide map and raise our City’s international profile," said Councilwoman Chan. "With an average of 400,000 people per day visiting the World Expo, this is a tremendous opportunity for our City," she said. "Many business meetings and activities have been arranged in order to maximize our visit in China," she added.

Expected to draw more than 70 million people from across the world, 192 countries and 42 international organizations, the Expo will be the largest World's Fair in history, making San Antonio's presence a unique and potentially profitable experience. In fact, San Antonio will be the first U.S. city to appear in the USA Pavilion.

This year's Expo theme is Better City, Better Life and will focus on initiatives achieving greener, safer, healthier, prosperous, inclusive and well-managed cities.

San Antonio's exhibit will feature its targeted industries, tourism and quality of life. Known as "San Antonio Days," the city will be featured in the USA Pavilion May May 25 through May 27.