Pedro Wendler (R), Director of the Brazilian Pavilion, speaks to a CRI reporter at the 2010 World Expo in Shanghai on Friday, May 7, 2010. [CRIENGLISH.com]

Besides the enjoyments of football and traditional celebrations, Brazil is a country that has seen significant economic and social developments in recent years, said the director of the Brazilian Pavilion at the Shanghai World Expo on Friday.

"Most people know Brazil for its carnival and samba, but we have so much more to show," said Pedro Wendler. "We have our culture, we have our strong economy, and we have a huge country that is making every effort to grow."

The Shanghai Expo is Wendler's second Expo, following the one in Hanover, Germany, 10 years ago. He said the Shanghai Expo, the biggest ever in history, has been in the spotlight in Brazil for many months.

Under the theme of "Pulsing Cities: Feel the Life of Brazilian Cities," the Brazilian Pavilion tries to present the human and cultural diversity in Brazilian cities, the dynamism of the country's large metropolitan areas and its booming economy.

Wendler said he is confident that visitors will have fun seeing the Brazil Pavilion, because they can gain deep insight into the lifestyles of Brazilians who are always optimistic and passionate about life.

Wendler emphasized the importance of the Shanghai Expo with regard to the development of Sino-Brazil business relations.

"The pavilion was to be built into a business platform," he said. "Here we will receive entrepreneurs from China for business seminars and hold special meetings on the development of bilateral business relationships."

Wendler also said the Brazil Pavilion would host events with scientists from both China and Brazil to discuss the most innovative policies related to the Expo's main theme "Better City, Better Life."

Wendler, who has significant experience in the tourism industry, made great efforts to help Brazil become a tourist destination for Chinese travelers before the Expo. He said most Chinese who currently travel to Brazil are either businesspeople or government officials, although he believes more ordinary Chinese citizens will visit his country in the future to see its spectacular scenery.

"Many Chinese tourists like to go to the Amazon Forest for the beauty of the trees, the jungle and animals there," Wendler said. "And they also visit Iguazu Falls, the largest and most impressive waterfalls on the planet. It's a fantastic tour."

Wendler said the Expo will leave a colossal legacy for the host country, while every participant also will benefit from the innovations on display as well as new investment and business opportunities.

With the upcoming FIFA World Cup in South Africa in June, Wendler said Brazil has prepared some special football-related activities at its Expo pavilion and will host parties to celebrate its achievement as the only country to have won the World Cup title five times and to have played in every tournament.

(CRIENGLISH.com May 8, 2010)