Tonga Day celebrated at 2010 World Expo in Shanghai [1]
Wednesday, August 11, 2010 - 18:00. Updated on Saturday, April 26, 2014 - 22:19.
The Tonga National Day at the World Expo in Shanghai, China was celebrated on August 2 where HRH Princess Pilolevu Tuita urged visitors to come to visit the Pacific region and its islands.
Tonga's Media Representative to the World Expo, Monalisa Palu, reported that on this day, exits and entrances carried the Kingdom of Tonga's flag.
Princess Pilolevu was welcomed by the Vice Mayor of Shanghai, Tang Dengjie, as a 20 member Tongan dance troupe lined the red carpet together with Tonga's delegation.
The Tonga flag was raised in a flag raising ceremony at the East Plaza of the Expo Centre and the Shanghai Military Brass Band played the national anthem.
Monalisa reported that gifts were exchanged and the Princess signed the Honour Book. The Tongan and Chinese delegations were led into the Green Hall where national days are celebrated and broadcasted to the world.
The Mayor of Shanghai in his welcome address noted the strengthening ties since Tonga and China established diplomatic relations in 1998.
Tonga trade
Princess Pilolevu said that the theme of the Expo "Better City, Better Life" echoed the deep desire for all of us to better our lives and our fellow citizens, in spite of the national and global challenges.
In addition she said one small way Tonga could better their lives is through trade. "We are here in Shanghai because we believe that through tourism our lives can improve at the same time, share our culture and heritage with the people of China," she said.
"I invite all of you to come to the Kingdom of Tonga the first country in the world to see the sun every day and the only Kingdom in the South Pacific."
The Tonga dancing troupe showcased national dances for 30 minutes.
In the afternoon Princess Pilolevu toured the Pacific Pavilion, which houses Tonga's booth and 13 of its neighbouring countries.
A tapa was laid out at the entrance to Tonga's booth, with a replica of the Ha'amonga and two whale structures hanging from the ceiling.
Tongan delegation consisted Tonga's Ambassador to China HE Mahe'uli'uli Tupouniua, Commissioner General Sakopo Lolohea, Paula Ma'u Secretary for Ministry of Information and Communication, and Monalisa Palu, media representative.
The performers who travelled to Shanghai were selected after a national audition and were under the supervision of Tonga Visitors Bureau's Cotton Siale and Niulala Helu of the 'Atenisi Foundation of Performing Arts. The group departed on 27 July. Whilst in transit in Nadi, they performed a few items to the delight of guests at the Gateway Raffles Hotel.
The World Expo 2010 runs from 1 May to 31 October and expects to welcome over 70 million visitors.