Botswana celebrates National Pavilion Day

performance at the ceremony. [expo2010.cn]

Botswana celebrates its National Pavilion Day at Shanghai Expo park on July 21, 2010.

The theme of Expo 2010 "Better City, Better Life" represents people's common will of improving the environment as well as their hope of creating livable and sustainable cities, Mompati Merafhi, Vice President of Botswana, said at this morning's official ceremony at the Expo Center.

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This year marks the 35-year anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relationship between China and Botswana. Shanghai vice mayor Hu Yanzhao said the political trust between the two countries has been strengthened and the understanding and friendship of their peoples have also been deepened over the years. The two nations have also witnessed fruitful mutual exchange and cooperation in various fields, he added.

He hoped the 2010 Expo would serve as a platform to further promote bilateral exchange and cooperation.

"A Heritage of Peace" is the theme of the exhibition showcasing the modernization of Botswana - one of the world's development success stories - as well as its tourism and safari appeal, its commercial expansion and livable cities.

The pavilion in Zone C contains three major areas: nature and resources, history and heritage, and city and life.

The "Beautiful Botswana" exhibit features the vast Kalahari Desert that covers around 70 percent of the country, home to the nomadic desert bushmen.

The country is famous as a safari destination. The exhibition includes the Okavango Delta and abundant mineral resources.

Ancient and modern history, culture, arts, architecture, and carvings of stone and wood are featured.

Botswana's modernization is also explored, contrasting the ancient life of its hunter-gatherers with modern urban life, showing how technology has improved living conditions.

The "City and Life" exhibition shows the influence of environment, resources and heritage on urban development.