--An interview with Dr Kreutzberger, Deputy Consul-General of the Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Shanghai

Written by Zhang Ruyun/Photographed by Xu Jiechen

“It has been only five months since I was appointed as the Deputy Consul-General here in Shanghai, although 25 years have passed since I first came to know this city,”said Dr Peter Kreutzberger, Deputy Consul-General of the Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Shanghai, with his eyes glowing with some kind of tender feelings towards this city. Mr. Kreutzberger came to study in China when he was young, learning Mandarin and modern Chinese economic history respectively at universities in Beijing and Nanjing. He then came to Shanghai to write a PHD dissertation at Tongji University. After being appointed as Deputy Consul-General in Shanghai, he has made extensive contacts with relevant departments of the Expo Shanghai Coordination Bureau out of concerns with the Expo Shanghai. Our correspondent spoke to Dr Kreutzberger about interested issues.

Q: As a country with a globally leading exhibition and convention sector, Germany has successfully hosted the Expo 2000 Hanover, whose theme was“Humankind, Nature & Technology”. How, do you think, the Expo Shanghai should learn from the Expo Hanover.

A: Each World Expo has some similarities with other World Expos, but each of them also has its own characteristics. As far as I know, China has sent delegations to the Expo Hanover and Expo Aichi, so its must still have abundant impressions of the two previous World Expos. As the organizer for the Expo Shanghai, I also believe that China has initiated many meetings with the organizers for these two Expos, and has gained some helpful experience in how to prepare for and host the World Expo.

The unique features of each World Expo can be seen from their different themes. The theme of the Expo Hanover is“Humankind, Nature and Technology”, whereas the theme for the Expo Shanghai is“Better City, Better Life”. We can see their different focuses from the themes. Hosting the World Expo is not only the construction of a batch of pavilions in Shanghai, as it will also have significant impact for Shanghai and its surrounding areas and other related impacts for the whole country. It will propel the overall infrastructure construction in downtown Shanghai and its surrounding areas, making the living environment of the city more ecological, human-friendly and modernized. It is in line with the“Better city, Better life”theme of the Expo Shanghai.

Q：One of the key issues faced by Shanghai is how to host a good World Expo and grasp opportunities arising from the event. Do you have any suggestions for this?

A: Not long ago, I learned the“11th Five-year Plan of Shanghai”from newspaper reports. It is reported that Shanghai is aiming to build itself into a modern global metropolis with leading economy and technology. I think that the master plan for the city and the overall plan for the Expo Shanghai could have some interactions in a certain degree if they are to be considered as closely linked activities.

I am especially delighted to see that the city has been consciously protecting some old buildings as cultural relics, and has integrated the maintenance of these buildings into the overall urban construction. Some old districts are not far away from the World Expo area, and it would be quite attractive if visitors can find some old buildings adjacent to the Expo Park. This could be said to be another meaningful interaction.

Q: How will Germany participate in the Expo Shanghai to display itself at the stage of the World Expo 2010 Shanghai?

A: After the registration report of the Expo Shanghai was adopted, China will extend invitations to participating countries. I can visualize that, sooner or later, Germany will make a positive reply after receiving the invitation from China. In Germany, the Economic Ministry is responsible for affairs related to the World Expo, and it will take charge of Germany’s preparation to participate in the Expo Shanghai in an official capacity. The Economic Ministry will submit a fund application report to the Finance Ministry. Apart from the funding issue, Germany will also consider in what forms it will attend the Expo.

In addition, Germany will surely have its country pavilion at the Expo Shanghai (either an independent pavilion or a joint pavilion), and I have learned that the Expo Shanghai has contacted some large German firms to see whether they are interested in setting up special enterprise pavilions. Other German companies may choose to take part in the exhibitions in the German Pavilion, which all depends upon what kind of exhibits Germany will display. Generally speaking, Germany should take into account the exhibition plan, funds and exhibits to be displayed at the Expo Shanghai.

Q: I believe that many people from Germany will come to visit the Expo Shanghai. What kind of experience do you expect them to gain here in Shanghai?

A: Currently, many German visitors to China will come to Shanghai, and their impressions of the city have been quite good as Shanghai is indeed a quite attractive city. According to the information that I have gathered, I believe that the Expo Shanghai will be a very stylish and exciting gala. At that time, people will find many outstanding buildings in the Expo Park as well as a lot of interesting exhibits. I believe that the Chinese organizers can do a good job in the preparation and hosting of the World Expo. The Expo Shanghai will certainly attract many visitors.

Pictures in this story:

1. Dr Peter Kreutzberger, Deputy Consul-General of the Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Shanghai, speaks to our correspondent.

2. Dr Kreutzberger reads a copy of the 2010 World Expo magazine.