The World Trade Organization Pavilion celebrated its Honor Day at the Expo Center this afternoon.
Pascal Lamy, director-general of the World Trade Organization, talked about how trade has throughout history given rise to many great cities at the symposium in the center. Trade has, for many cities, been a source of prosperity, cultural richness and, from time to time, conflict as cities sought to control trade routes and access to foreign markets, he said.
He said the open cities and trade centers generated great wealth, while the wealth of the great merchant cities extends far beyond money. "As cities open to trade and traders, these communities have served as centers for the exchange of ideas and culture as well as goods and services. These cities are home to great artists, intellectuals, scientists and athletes as well as business leaders and financiers. This rich tapestry of diversity and innovation makes these cities far more than merchant cities alone."
China's Vice Commerce Minister Gao Hucheng said China is committed to the opening-up policy and advocates multilateral trade after becoming a member of WTO. It is also abiding by the WTO rules and regulations and is improving transparency in trade, he noted.
China made an all-out effort to the rejuvenation and recovery of world economy, which won worldwide recognition, he noted.
A photo exhibition about WTO was held at the UN Pavilion.
