Op-Ed Contributors

Development can bring peoples closer

By Zheng Xiwen (China Daily)
Updated: 2010-05-14 07:52

After 160 years, the World Expo has, for the first time, been organized in a developing country.

Walking through the beautifully designed pavilions in Shanghai, it is easy to get dazzled by the various art forms and cultures on display.

Yet, in my opinion, the best theme of this grand show is "development".

First, development that leads to progress has put the world's poor center-stage

More than 100 years ago, China could merely display traditional artifacts and agricultural products, such as tea, silk and porcelain.

They were viewed as nothing more than exotic curios by the Westerners.

The Chinese who participated then were overawed when they saw the steam engine, light bulb and other ground breaking inventions that ushered in a period of industrialization and changed the world forever.

Today, China and other developing countries participating at the Expo are showcasing not only their unique cultures but also modern technologies.

The Shanghai Expo has seen more developing countries participating than ever before. The China Pavilion and Africa Joint Pavilion vividly represent the all-round progress of developing countries.

When I saw that, Deng Xiaoping's famous words came to mind - "Development is the top priority".

Over the past decades, China's commitment to economic development brought it to the forefront globally. Other developing countries too have followed that mantra.

Tourists now have an opportunity to understand our colorful and diversified world, to pay more attention to the needs of developing countries and realize how closely we have been following in the world's footsteps.

Second, development for innovation indicates that the old is giving way to the new.

"Everything starts at the Expo" - this motto is a pointer to how the Expo thrives.

Since 1851, when the first Expo was held in the Crystal Palace in London, mankind has never faltered in innovation.

Every exhibit at the Expo has contributed to mankind's development.

Besides, increasing attention has been paid to issues related to social development. The themes of various Expos, ranging from "Celebrating Tomorrow's Fresh New Environment" of the first, to "Better City, Better Life" of the latest clearly illustrate peoples' understanding of development.

The Shanghai Expo is taking place at a time when the world is faced with the challenge of finding new models for development after the global financial crisis.

The Expo has given people across the world a forum to explore a healthier path, so that similar crises will not strangle it in the future.

Focusing on life in the city gives people a valuable opportunity to think deeply about the sustainable and harmonious development of future cities.