The 2010 World Exposition in Shanghai will be the first registered one in a developing country. Officially known as “Expo Shanghai 2010,” it will last 184 days and provide China an opportunity to show off its remarkable economic growth. The expo will also give foreign nations and companies a chance to further develop business partnerships with China and Chinese companies. This is the fourteenth in an ongoing series that will look at the upcoming expo, from country pavilions to trade development. In this article, we take a look at the Iran, North Korea, and Myanmar Pavilions.

Apr. 23 – Expo Shanghai 2010, the largest world’s fair to date, will feature three participants who are not normally seen in diplomatically cordial situations, but all of whom have been in the news recently. The Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, and the Union of Myanmar will all have pavilions open to the public at this year’s Shanghai Expo.

Iran

During the Shanghai Expo, Iran will be showcasing its cities and their ancient past. In an interview in 2008, Mr. Nazeri, counsul-general of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Shanghai, said that, “At Expo 2010 Iran will present the civilization of its cities.”

The pavilion’s theme is “Blending of Diverse Cultures in the City” and features traditional Islamic architecture influenced by ancient Iranian art and contemporary life in the Islamic Republic. Structurally, the building is divided into three parts: Iran of the past, the present and the future. Each section will also feature the design elements of water, soil, light, and colors, which hold symbolic meaning in relation to the Expo’s main theme.

In his interview, Mr. Nazeri stressed the close economic ties between China and Iran both today and in the past. He also hopes that Chinese visitors to the pavilion will be impressed by Iranian cities and see the similarities between Chinese culture and Iranian culture, “World Expo 2010 Shanghai, China will provide a great platform as well as a new bridge that we just need.”

North Korea

The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea will also be participating in Expo 2010 this year in Shanghai. It is the first time the isolated nation will participate in a world expo. The country’s pavilion was built around the theme of a “Prosperous Pyongyang” and is directly next to Iran’s pavilion.

Architecturally, the building’s design is meant to express national characteristics of North Korea together with its modern beauty. It will feature three highlights, including a 4.5-meter tall model of Pyongyang’s Juche Tower, a flowing river representing Taedong River, and a replica of the tomb murals and cave paintings of Jiangxi County.

In an interview with Xinhua, Lee Seong Un, the vice director of the North Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said, “We have been preparing smoothly with the full support of the Chinese government,” in building what he calls the, “Korean Pavilion.” According to Lee, a group of high-ranking cadres will visit the site on September 6, which is Korean Pavilion Day.

Myanmar

The Union of Myanmar, also known as Burma, will be participating in this year’s Expo. The nation has chosen “Better Urbanization with Harmonized Eco-System” as the theme for their pavilion. The building’s architecture is influenced by Southeast Asian design elements and features two highlights: symmetry with bright colors and a courtyard suspended over a flowing stream. The pavilion is meant to introduce local customs and culture, as well as rich resources.

Further Reading

The complete Shanghai Expo 2010 series