Artists Welcoming Expo---DEVNET Millennium Dragon Boat Festival Banquet successfully held in Shanghai

On June 26th, 2009, Organizing Committee of DEVNET Pavilion held “Artists Welcoming Expo---DEVNET Millennium Dragon Boat Festival Banquet” in Shanghai. General Representative of DEVNET Pavilion, Director of DEVNET Affairs Coordination Bureau Mr. Gao Guoqiang, together with executing director of DEVNET Pavilion, deputy director of DEVNET Affairs Coordination Bureau Mr. Li Shien, relative leaders and over ten renowned artist representatives attended the banquet.

During the banquet, Mr. Gao first extended warm welcome in the name of DEVNET international and DEVNET Pavilion stuff to distinguished guests, artists and representatives from national and international enterprises and institution. He introduced latest progress of DEVNET Pavilion and indicated that DEVNET Pavilion has confronted tremendous pressure from tight working hours and heavy workload during the preparation period. However, he has confidence in DEVNET Pavilion. As one of the first finished pavilions, DEVNET Pavilion will definitely live up to expectations, finish preparation work successfully and start trial opening from March 1st, 2010 to welcome guestf from all over the world.

To date, preparation work for interior and exterior decoration of DEVNET Pavilion is being carried out, and collection of art work, particularly works representing Haipai culture has been in full swing. He wished this banquet to be a platform for leaders, guests and artists to exchanges thoughts on the Expo, plan for DEVNET Pavilion and enjoy the fruit brought by the Expo.

Mr. Gao’s kind and modest speech won warm applause all guests at present. Later, Minister of China City and Town Outstanding Economy Feature Investigation Office, Mr. Du Yanji delievered a speech. Mr. Du expressed his appreciation to Mr. Gao for his long-term trust and expectation, then highly praised the preparation work done by DEVNET Pavilion stuff. He felt honored to bring “Chinese Famous and Special Product” into internationa information platform---DEVNET, and to select for DEVNET Pavilion. As member of “Organizing Committee of Mei Lanfang Prize Celebration”, he is ready to do his part for the promotion of Chinese national Beijing Opera. According to him, remarkable achievement has been made in the past interactive communication activities with DEVNET Pavilion due to the two sides mutual trust and common goal, therefore, he is expecting cooperation with DEVNET Pavilion in a wider field, so as to contribute his effort for the Expo.

Next, a brilliant speech was delievered by Mr. Li Desheng, China Development and Promotion Center for Xiaokang(CDPCX). In his speech, Mr Li appreciated DEVNET Pavilion’s effort in the name of CDPC. He briefly introduced present situation of China Xiaokang development, then emphasized cooperation project with DEVNET Pavilion, and wished to provide broader international platform with Chinese medium and small enterprises. Finally, he expressed his hope for successful cooperation between the two parties, and DEVNET would do brilliant job and fullfill its mission during the Expo.

After listening to the speeches from each leader, every guest at present felt deeply inspired and encouraged. The atomosphere reached climax when artists started painting and singing Beijing Opera on stage. Famous artist Jiang Shilin, Zhang Yifan, Chen Shunjin, Zhang Yuan, Tao Yajie, and Gu Wenbin gave splendid display of their artistic accomplishment. Artists from Shanghai Theater of Beijing Opera also gave brilliant display which captivated each one at seat. While enjoying the wonder and beauty created by artists, guests freely imagined the future scene of the Expo and exchanged views on it.

Guests were most surprised at the apperance of a mysterious guest---Chairman of Asian Council of American, who enjoyed the reputation of “Father of World Expo”. Mr. Jiang gave high appraisal on the work done by DEVNET Pavilion with the leading of Mr. Gao. He said “It’s great! DEVNET Pavilion is also the pride of all Chinese people”. He stressed on the significance of the World Expo, and wished that Chinese artists would take this opportunity to display Chinese culture to the whole world, to make the world know better about China and Chinese culture and finally carry forward Chinese art in a longer and broader sense.

Mr. Jiang’s speech brought the atomosphere into another climax. Later, to thank Grand Metro Park Hotel for their support of Chinese art, a painting presentation ceremony was held for the hotel and a certificate of honor was presented to the hotel by DEVNET Pavilion.

The banquet started after the ceremony. Representatives from all social backgroud expressed satisfaction with the effect of the banquet. They think highly of DEVNET Pavilion and wished DEVNET Pavilion to present a gorgeous artistic banquet during the Expo.

Source: http://www.devnet-shanghai.org/en/news_detail.asp?myid=69