On July 17, the ceremonial groundbreaking at the sight of the USA Pavilion for the World Expo in Shanghai, China in 2010 took place.  This is another step forward in the journey to the first-ever World Expo held in China. The USG is prohibited by statute from spending appropriated funds to support a national pavilion. Therefore, in conformity with law and prior practice, a non-governmental entity was formed to design the pavilion and raise 100% of the funding from the private sector.

After a lengthy bidding process, the Department of State signed a letter of intent in March 2008 with "Shanghai Expo 2010", a non-profit group led by Nick Winslow and Ellen Eliasoph with decades of Expo and theme-park experience. Secretary Rice and Shanghai Mayor Han both provided letters of support to the group.

The Shanghai Expo 2010 group’s current design concept rests on four thematic pillars: Sustainability, Teamwork, Health, and the Chinese Community in America. The revised total budget of US$61 million includes all construction, staffing, operation, show presentations, and post-Expo building demolition and materials removal costs.

The organizers believe that the USA Pavilion at Shanghai Expo 2010 will present a dynamic, emotional story that radiates powerful core values shared by both the Chinese and American people – sustainability, teamwork, health and the fundamental belief that America is a place of opportunity where those who seek to change the world for the better will always thrive and prosper.

USA Pavilion Facts
As China prepares to host the largest World Expo in history in 2010, a U.S. pavilion offers opportunities to:
* Present America’s story to 60 million Chinese visitors plus 10 million international visitors over a period of six months;
* Demonstrate U.S. commitment to strengthening U.S. - China relations and engagement in Asia;
* Provide corporate sponsors an unsurpassed marketing platform;
* Show support for the environmental theme of the Expo.
 
World Expo 2010 Basic Facts
* The Expo will run May 1 - October 31, 2010. It is expected to attract 70 million visitors – more than any Expo in 150 years of Expo history.
* To date, 185 countries and 46 international organizations have accepted invitations to attend the World Expo, the largest number in Expo history.
* The theme of the Expo, "Better City – Better Life", signifies Shanghai's commitment to green urban development and status as a major economic and cultural center.
* The Expo is sited in downtown Shanghai along both sides of the Huangpu River.
* The Expo site is 1.57 square miles.
* The USA Pavilion will be 7,200 square yards.