HOST CITIES BENEFIT FROM WORLD EXPOS
I refer to Jake van der Kamp's 'Monitor' column of December 5 headlined 'Shanghai revels in its top spot in the Nobody's Club'.
In his criticism of Shanghai [which will host the 2010 World Expo] and of the International Bureau of Expositions (BIE), Mr van der Kamp leaves out pertinent facts which will have created a false impression.
World expositions are well known events, with very successful expos over the years in, for example, Montreal, Canada, Osaka, Japan, Brisbane, Australia, Seville, Spain and Lisbon, Portugal. The 1964-65 New York World's Fair, the only expo held in 71 years without BIE approval, was plagued with low attendances and was an economic fiasco. The BIE-registered Expo '67 held just two years later in Montreal was a resounding success.
The 89 member states do not participate in, nor support, expositions that the BIE has not sanctioned.
This prevents the proliferation of expos and ensures a standard of participating conditions that is fair to all participants and organisers. Host cities all agree that they benefit significantly from having the expos.
The urban cultural and economic transformations are remarkable.
Among other things, world expositions serve to educate and bring about understanding and tolerance, and pride in our diversity. They help to bring people together. The member states themselves, represented by delegates appointed by their governments, decide which city is granted a particular event, and then monitor progress.
The delegates normally meet twice a year for a day-long general assembly.
It is inappropriate to compare the BIE with the International Olympic Committee.
MARTINE LEYRAT
BIE Press Officer
Paris, France
