We Share the Same World

-- Anna Karmadonova, Consul General of Consulate General of Ukraine in Shanghai, talking about World Expo 2010 Shanghai

 Zhao Hong

The signing of the first Expo Shanghai participation contract by China and The Ukraine has shown that the invitation work of Expo Shanghai has developed from the stage of political commitment into the stage of law procedures. In our interview with Ms. Anna Karmadonova, Consul General of Consulate General of The Ukraine in Shanghai, she says, "Instead of the huge distance between China and Ukraine in geography, we are sharing the same world. It is my sincere wish that Shanghai holds a successful, splendid and unforgettable' World Expo". During the interview, the Consulate General's warm-hearted smiles conveyed to us the friendliness of Ukrainian people.

Ranking "First" in various Expo Shanghai Preparation Work through jointed efforts

The Ukraine has achieved several "Firsts" during the preparation process of the Expo Shanghai. The Ukraine is the first to have signed a preliminary memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Expo Shanghai organizer. The Ukraine is also among the first group of countries that confirmed their participation, and it is the first to submit a participation contract. The Ukrainian government has just signed a "Participation Contract of the World Expo 2010 Shanghai China",with the Expo Shanghai organizer. This makes Ukraine again the first country to sign the participation contract with Expo Shanghai. Ms. Anna Karmadonova says, "Ukraine has always been active in participating in Expo Shanghai. The signing of the participation contract through our jointed efforts is a pleasant progress for both of us."

Ms. Anna Karmadonova tells the journalist that despite the Ukraine's relatively short history of independence, Ukraine's performances in both the Universal Exhibition Hannover 2000 and the International Exhibition of 2005 Aichi have been rather impressive. The World Expo 2010 Shanghai will also be a great opportunity for the Ukraine to introduce itself to other countries. Ukraine has been communicating very well with the Expo Shanghai organizer and the progress is rather inspiring. A more extensive and active preparation for participation will be carried out with the signing of the participation contract.

Presenting "cities from ancient times to modern times"

In the Expo Shanghai, finding the proper forum to show to the world a Ukraine with a long history, a unique culture and fast modernization after independence is rather important to the country. The Ukraine's participation theme will be "Cities from ancient times to modern times". Ms. Anna Karmadonova believes that this theme fits the characteristics and future development of Ukraine very well. Located in mid-Europe, Ukraine has long been an important transfer station for trade roads of various countries. The ancient Chinese Silk Road also passed through the land of the Ukraine. Availing herself to help other countries with such a favorable geographical position, the Ukraine has made a great step forward in its economy after independence.

When asked about the Ukraine pavilion, Ms. Anna Karmadonova replies, "Ukraine is recruiting participation design at home, the result of which will probably not be disclosed until this November. However, there is no doubt that elements showing our traditional culture will be added into the Ukraine pavilion interior design. For example, the Ukrainian cuisine restaurant is a must. The delicious Ukrainian borscht, which is well-known in the world, will surely satisfy visitors then." In addition, she puts forward a very attractive idea, "It's possible that we invite Andriy Shevchenko, the famous Ukrainian football player to come to the Expo Shanghai and 'interact' with young Chinese football fans." No wonder the Ukraine pavilion will be a highlight of the Expo Shanghai!

Paying close attention to the Urban Best Practices Area

The original idea of adding "Urban Experiments Area" into the Expo Park was presented by Shanghai during bidding for the World Expo 2010. The idea was later named "Urban Best Practices Area" after discussing with the Bureau of International Exposition (BIE) when Shanghai succeeded in the bidding. Ms. Anna Karmadonova regards the "Urban Best Practice Area" as a big creation of the Expo Shanghai in providing cities an independent opportunity to take part in the Wolrd Expo. This provides a platform of exchange among cities from countries in the world. "I do think it's an innovation. Many Ukrainian cities, like the capital city, Kiev, the coastal city, Odessa, and the country's second biggest city, Kharkov and so on, have expressed their wish in entering for this exhibition. They are paying close attention to the 'Urban Best Practices Area'. We'll examine the cities' finance, resources, and developing situation and then decide whether they should enter for the recruiting or not. Of course, I personally hope that we'll have cities take part in the urban exhibition independently."

Participating in the World Expo and Promoting Exchange and Cooperation

Ukraine and China have been enjoying friendly relations and are mutually important as cooperative partners. Presently, over 7,000 Chinese students are studying in Ukraine. The two countries also witness close economic relations, with cooperative projects covering areas of aircraft manufacturing, automobile manufacturing, the chemistry and lighting industry, architecture, etc.

Ms. Anna Karmadonova tells the journalist, "It's exciting that the Shanghai Foreign Studies University will open a Ukrainian Studies Major, which will be a better bridge for the two countries' exchange. Not long ago, the Ukrainian Airline opened a direct line between Kiev and Shanghai, making transportation more convenient. Our exchange and cooperation will surely be furthered through the Expo Shanghai. I hope that more Ukrainian people will come to Shanghai and learn more about Shanghai and the whole China through the Expo Shanghai. We're confident that our relationship will be even closer at the time when the Expo Shanghai is held."

Towards the end of the interview, Ms. Anna Karmadonova chooses to have her photo taken besides the Ukrainian national flag. To her, a national flag is the most authoritative symbol of a country. "Our national flag is divided into two parts, the above being blue, symbolizing the pure sky, and the bottom yellow, standing for good harvests in the land. With these, our people can then live and work in peace and contentment. We wish all Chinese people the same happiness and good health."

Link: Ukraine's Exhibitions in previous World Expos

In 2000, Ukraine participated in the Universal Exhibition Hannover 2000 for the first time as an independent country, showing her great achievements in the national economy and district development in an balanced way.

In the International Exhibition of 2005 Aichi, Ukraine established its own pavilion for the first time on "Ukraine: People, Society, and Nature --a harmonious life". About 2,750,000 people visited the pavilion. The daily visits averaged 200,000 people at times. Ukraine's idea for participating in the World Expo is to express the its' achievements in economy, culture, and history to people from around the world and to keep pace with global integration. The Ukraine's participation in the Expo Shanghai and its views regarding this remain unchanged.