Harper meets dude named Rowswell. In China (5 photos)

More sights and stops awaited Prime Minister Stephen Harper and his wife Laureen as their China visit continued.

The photo above shows Canada's First Couple getting a tour of Canada's pavilion at Shanghai Expo 2010 from Mark Rowswell, a.k.a. "Dashan," Canada's commissioner-general for Expo 2010.

The following news release and accompanying photos were provided by the office of the prime minister.

************************* Prime Minister Stephen Harper extends invitation to visit the Canada Pavilion at Expo 2010 in Shanghai

Canada’s participation will strengthen economic, diplomatic and cultural ties with China

SHANGHAI, CHINA - Prime Minister Stephen Harper visited the site of the Canada Pavilion for Expo 2010 in Shanghai [on Friday].

Accompanied by Mark H. Rowswell, commissioner general for Canada at Expo 2010 in Shanghai, the prime minister observed the progress on construction of the pavilion.

“Expo 2010 will be an opportunity for Canada to build stronger economic, diplomatic and cultural ties with our second largest merchandise trading partner,” said Prime Minister Harper. “It will provide an exceptional showcase for our country in this growing city, illustrating the dynamic nature of our arts and culture as well as Canadian values.”

Canada’s participation in Expo 2010 will revolve around the theme The Living City: Inclusive, Sustainable, Creative, complementing that of Expo 2010, Better City, Better Life.

This reflects Canada’s commitment to providing citizens of all backgrounds with a living space that balances the needs of people and the environment.

“The Canada Pavilion will be stunning. I invite everyone to come and discover this destination of choice at Expo 2010,” said Prime Minister Harper.

“It will present Canada as the modern, democratic, bilingual, diversified and environmentally responsive country that it is. A country with successful, sustainable cities that are innovative, creative and prosperous places,” added the prime minister.

Designed by Cirque du Soleil, the pavilion will reflect our strong and vigorous cities.

SNC-Lavalin broke ground in February 2009, making Canada one of the first countries to start construction on its pavilion for Expo 2010.

Canada’s participation will include a spectacular and diversified cultural program that will showcase Canadian artists and performers from a wide range of disciplines.

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