World Celebrities Talk About Expo (Thirty-Three)

Jean Jack Kerana (Jean-Jack Queyranne).

President Ronald Alps, France, member of Parliament.

Born in Lyon in 1945.

Professor of law, formerly a university teacher, deputy mayor of Villeurbanne, mayor of bloon and a member of the General Council of Ronald, was elected chairman of the Rona Alps Regional Council in April 2004.

In November 1986, the first friendly cooperation agreement was signed between the Rhona Alps and Shanghai.

In 2008, the Shanghai and Rhona Alps became a friendly urban area.

This area is the second highly developed area in France, which is next only to the Paris region. It is also known as "the four engine of Europe" with Baden Wurttemberg, Italy, Lombardia and Catalonia.

In my view, the holding of World Expo in Shanghai in 2010 expressed our common resolve to work together to tackle the formidable challenges never encountered in human history.

The challenge comes first from accelerating urbanization, from the scarcity of natural resources and the abnormal climate. The latter will threaten all creatures on the earth in the near future.

We are also facing economic challenges. The financial crisis has shaken the foundation of the global economy. The reshuffle of the world is imminent.

In the face of all the major ills in twenty-first Century, the theme of Shanghai World Expo is "Better City, better life", which demonstrates its courage and boldness.

World Expo, Shanghai, symbolizes the imagination and creativity of human beings. They will lead to a more harmonious and more equitable economic development.

The Expo site is built with national pavilions, and for the first time, it has opened up the best practice area of the city. China hopes to strengthen relations among countries through this move and jointly create a more stable and balanced world.

I had the honor of visiting China and visiting Shanghai many times.

I am amazed at its social development, its vitality and the spirit of Chinese people's initiative.

Every time I come to Shanghai, I feel like visiting old friends. This is a city that makes me feel like a duck to water.

In 2010, when the World Expo convenes, the eyes of the whole world will once again focus on China.

This is not only a look of respect and friendship, but also a curious look.

As the president of Rona Alps, I am very glad that my region can become a friendly city with Shanghai, and is very proud of it.

Our area is similar to that of Switzerland. The population is quite similar to that of Denmark.

The Rona Alps is in the leading position in the European Union. It faces the European continent and the Mediterranean basin with an open mind.

Over the past 25 years, the Rona Alps has been moving hand in hand with Shanghai.

It is a great honor for us to accept the application of Shanghai Expo.

Because by participating in the exhibition, we have fulfilled our commitment and determination to contribute to building a better world.

Our pavilion will focus on innovative environmentally friendly buildings.

The relevant companies and research centers have taken action and will bring new materials and technologies in this field.

At the same time, we will also use culture as a medium to show the vitality and charm of the region.

The world's grand event held by China has also provided us with a chance to learn, because in 2015, the European continent will also usher in the world exposition.

The next host city, Milan, is located in the Lombardy District of Italy. It is also one of the important partners in our region. Together with Baden Wurttemberg in Germany and Catalonia in Spain, it forms the "four engines in Europe".

Finally, I wish World Expo 2010 Shanghai a complete success and extend a friendly greeting to our Chinese friends on behalf of the residents of the region.