The Central Africa Republic celebrated its national Pavilion at Expo Centre today with dancing performances.
Expo Shanghai is a world event which enables people with different thinking and cultures to mix as well as share knowledge and experiences, said Emilie Beatrice Epaye, the Central Africa Republic's Minister of Trade, Industry, and Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises.
To Central Africa Republic, whose infrastructure construction is vitally important to its economy, "Better City, Better Life" was essential, said Emilie Beatrice Epaye.
Sustainable urbanization development policy should both consider the demand of infrastructures as well as environment protection, she said.
The urban development will be realized through long-term management and planning, she said.
She also welcomed people to invest in the African country and she hoped the friendship between China and the Central Africa Republic will endure.
Zhou Bohua, Director of the State Administration of Industry and Commerce, said that the Central Africa Republic Pavilion is a shining pearl in Joint-Africa Pavilion.
Visitors will have a taste of this country's unique natural environment and cultural tradition in the pavilion, Zhou added.
Visitors can also see the African country's architecture, decoration and handcrafts, Zhou said.
Visitors can also feel the warm-hearted and hospitable people of the Central Africa Republic, Zhou added.
Zhou also hoped that China and the Central Africa Republic will use Expo 2010 as a platform to expand mutual understanding and friendship as well as boost cooperation between the two, Zhou said.
Francois Bozizé Yangouvonda, President of the Central African Republic, also attended the ceremony.
Artists in grass skirts from the Central Africa Republic staged a dancing performance.
The country's pavilion is at Joint-Africa Pavilion in Zone C.
The pavilion of the resource-rich nation is titled “Prosperity of the Urban Economy.” Inside the pavilion visitors could take a winding path to see rare wildlife and jungles; then they see an exhibition of resources and the economy, including diamonds, coffee, cotton, precious wood furniture and handicrafts. Visitors can enjoy free coffee and the ample products of this country.