Australia pavilion at Shanghai World Expo is our gateway to a world of trade and travel

The Australia Pavilion at the Shanghai World Expo. Source: HWT Image Library

VICTORIA is banking on plenty of success from Australia's pavilion at the huge Shanghai World Expo in China.

Victoria has provided $6 million towards Australia's $83 million pavilion. The expo started on May 1 and finishes on October 31.

China is Victoria's largest goods export market, worth $2.17 billion a year. Imports from China are valued at $11.40 billion.

CLICK HERE TO SEE A PIC GALLERY OF THE AUSTRALIA PAVILION AT THE SHANGHAI WORLD EXPO

More than 40,000 Chinese students have enrolled in courses in Victoria this year - the second largest group of international students after Indian students.

China is Victoria’s third largest tourism market, behind New Zealand and the UK

Victorian Premier John Brumby said Victoria Week, which runs from May 17-23 in the Australia Pavilion, would provide unprecedented opportunities for business links.

“Our focus will be on attracting investments that generate jobs, showcasing Victoria’s innovation and development strengths and boosting our reputation a great state in which to live, work, study and travel," Mr Brumby said.

“And in keeping with the Expo’s theme - Better City, Better Life, we will strongly market Victoria’s environment and urban development credentials and our commitment to sustainable, liveable communities.”

Mr Brumby said Victoria was focusing on nanotechnology, information and technology, biotechnology, environmental technology, food and wine and agribusiness.

“Programs showcasing our strengths in education, tourism and the arts will aim to attract international students and visitors to Victoria,” he said.  

SHANGHAI WORLD EXPO DEALS:

Flights
Qantas Holidays, a Gold Sponsor of the Australian Pavilion, has packages with return economy airfares, four nights' accommodation at the Sofitel Hyland Shanghai and breakfast from $1646 a person (book before April 30), ph: 131 415 or visit qantas.com/holidays

Accommodation
Pullman Shanghai Skyway, ph: 1300 656 565, www.accorhotels.com
InterContinental Shanghai Expo (opening April), ph: 1800 669 562, www.intercontinental.com
Hotel Indigo Shanghai is opening in July with a glass-fronted infinity pool overlooking the river, www.shanghai.hotelindigo.com
Swissotel is offering room upgrades to executive club rooms for bookings made before April 15, www.swissotel.com/shanghai
Urbn Hotel is a green hotel in the French concession, ph: +86 215 153 4600, www.urbnhotels.com