| Shanghai starts one-year countdown to the largest expo ever | |
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| Apr 29, 2009 20:59 |   |
 | China Daily) Updated: 2009-04-30 07:43 SHANGHAI: Shanghai is preparing for the biggest and most extravagant World Expo in history, with billions of dollars allocated and an army of thousands of workers deployed for next year's event. Authorities have set aside an area twice the size of Monaco for the expo, which is expected to attract 70 million visitors - 95 percent of them domestic - to the bustling financial center starting May 1 next year. That is 20 times the size of the site used for the last expo in Zaragoza, Spain, and the mainland is hoping the event will again provide it with an opportunity to shine on the global stage, following last year's Beijing Olympics. "This is the largest project in Shanghai and in China," said Xu Bo, director of the international participation department of the expo, which will run for six months. Beneath the towering "Crown of the East," the national pavilion, about 10,000 workers are busy digging foundations, pouring concrete and welding the steel exterior onto the expo's futuristic performing arts arena. The number of workers at the expo site - straddling the Huangpu River that flows through the city's center - is set to double over the next two months, organizers said. China is powering forward with expo-related investments despite the global economic gloom, with about $44 billion earmarked for extending subway lines, upgrading railways and roads and expanding airport capacity. "On one hand the timing is bad, but on the other, it's very good," Xu said. He said the expo would help create jobs and generate revenue for Shanghai but acknowledged some of the 187 countries and regions committed to participating in the event may have to scale back their plans because of economic troubles at home. So far, he said, none have backed out. Authorities in Shanghai hope a vibrant expo will help boost confidence in the mainland economy at home and abroad, as the 1933 World's Fair in Chicago did for the United States during the Great Depression, Xu said. AFP |
| May 16, 2009 02:50 | #1 |
| Why do you post so many messages but never actually say anything? |
| May 16, 2009 12:38 | #2 |
| Every year, Shanghai contributes 87% GDP to central gov, in another word, 1/6 gov. income from Shanghai. However, Shanghainese has never been got positive comments from those living outside Shanghai in China. These days I have been enjoying Shanghainese Talk Show stating the development during past 30 years since 1979, which every shanghainese feels proud of. I am thinking if Shanghai was allowed to retain 50% of GDP for itself, it could have exceed Tokyo long time ago. |
| May 16, 2009 15:56 | #3 |
| I'm not sure how 87% equates to 1/6 of GDP growth. Perhaps you mean 5/6. I understand your point and I agree but I am extremely dubious about your figures. Surely Guangdong,Shandong or Jiangsu Provinces would contribute more than Shanghai. More importantly I am still curious as to why you use other people words instead of your own to make your point. |
| May 16, 2009 19:13 | #4 |
| majority of wealth created by shanghainese is collected by central gov. 1/6 of gov. income is from shanghai. Here is official promotion of Shanghai 2010 Expo which lasts almost half a year. BTW, my avatar is Chinese pavilion architecture shaped like Chinese characater - " 人' -"the people". one of pavilion architectures that will provide stages for each nation showcasing their newest development in each field. Shanghai 2010 World Expo Official Preview |
| May 16, 2009 20:00 | #5 |
| You stated ..."Every year, Shanghai contributes 87% GDP to central gov, in another word, 1/6 gov. income from Shanghai" Do you mean that Shanghai contributes 87% of it's own GDP to the central government which equates to 1/6th of total government revenue? Or do you mean that Shanghais contribution is 87% of the entire GDP of China? In fact GDP refers to the Gross Domestic Product of a country, not a city. So I presume you mean the latter. In that case 87% does not equate to 1/6th. If you mean the former, i.e. 87% of Shanghais output goes to the central government which is 1/6th of the governments total revenue, then the term GDP is inappropriate. I am still wondering why you don't post your personal comments instead of those from the media. |
| May 16, 2009 20:07 | #6 |
| I stand corrected. I did some research and found this... http://www.investorglossary.com/ In fact you're correct. GDP can refer to a territory within a country. GNP (Gross National Product) is the correct term for the GDP of a country. So now I understand that Shanghai contributes 87% of it's own GDP which is 1/6th of the central governments total income. Which is exactly what you originally said. My apologies. |
| May 17, 2009 11:08 | #7 |
| >>I am still wondering why you don't post your personal comments instead of those from the media. << Bobert, Official media provide the stats that my personal comments are based on in this particular case. ie. shanghai development. Each time when officers from central govt visit Shanghai is the time that they need extra money that exceeds the budget. We Shanghainese have been complaining on it all the time in general public and now the local public voices are legally escalated to local official media-shanghainese talk show, which is a big step to free of speech. |
| May 17, 2009 17:40 | #8 |
| While I agree that it does seem excessive that 87% of Shanghais GDP goes to the central government It doesn't appear to be affecting Shanghais growth in any way. Shanghai continues to be a very prosperous and wealthy city. Many other parts of China are not so well off and need support so I presume this is where the central government distributes your taxes. I would have thought that shareing wealth equally is one of the principles of communism. |
| May 17, 2009 21:36 | #9 |
| Bobert, what is the comparable data on contribution shares to fed. gov from new york or chicargo. after comparison, shanghai is felt to be a sacrifice not a contributor. Socialist big pot of rice feeds fat mice that suck. Anyway, Shanghai, an oriental Paris that was called by westerners ,is franticly making up for time it has wasted holding the ambition to overtake HK in the near future. Here is clip shot in 2004 about meglev train in shanghai |
Last edited by MARRIE: May 17, 2009 21:40 |
| May 17, 2009 23:30 | #10 |
| Of course New York or Chicago do not contribute as much federal tax as you say Shanghai does. But America does not profess to be a communist state as China does. America is a capitalist nation where the poor have to take care of themselves. China is supposedly an egalitarian state. Communism means equality for all. What you are suggesting is not in keeping with a communist regimes thinking and therefore will never happen. I have been to Shanghai and I have been on the maglev train. Both are amazing. I much prefer Shanghai to Kong Kong. For me there is no comparison between the two cities. If I were a Shanghainese I would not be in such a hurry to catch Hong Kong as you seem to be. You live in a wonderful city. Enjoy! |
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