Chile holds initiation ceremony for Shanghai World Expo

SANTIAGO, April 30 (Xinhua) -- The Chilean government held an initiation ceremony Thursday for the Shanghai World Expo in 2010 and said it would soon unveil the design of its national pavilion.

Chilean President Chilean President Michelle Bachelet said at the ceremony that Chile hoped to send a message to the Chinese people with its decision to participate in the Shanghai Expo and build an independent pavilion that Chile is a reliable and capable partner.

Ernan Somerville, the Chilean representative for the 2010 Expo told Xinhua that China and Chile have long enjoyed friendly cooperation in various fields and the Shanghai Expo would become an opportunity for consolidating their bilateral ties.

Chile is the only Latin American country to build an independent pavilion, which will be named "Sprout of New City" and cover an area of 2,000 square meters.

The World Expo 2010, with the theme of "Better City, Better Life," will be held from May 1 to Oct. 31 next year and is expected to attract 70 million visitors.