Shanghai World Expo: Belgium’s pavilion in the top five!

The Shanghai World Expo ended on 31 October 2010. This World Expo, which started on 1 May 2010, was extremely successful, with over 70 million visitors coming to see the 270 pavilions.

Like the Expo itself, the Belgian pavilion attracted plenty of interest. Firstly, it built up a great reputation and featured among the five pavilions that visitors were keenest to see. Secondly, Belgium was successful in commercial terms, with chocolate and diamonds being the most popular of the wide range of items on sale. Furthermore, the business centre was a hive of activity, hosting a seemingly never-ending succession of seminars and debates. 

Thirdly and finally, Belgium enjoyed economic and diplomatic success: governments and authorities, companies and higher education institutes were showcased in Shanghai, flying either the Belgian or European flag, in light of Belgium’s current EU Presidency and the fact it was sharing a pavilion with the EU.