Development can bring peoples closer
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After 160 years, the World Expo has, for the first time, been organized in a developing country.
Walking through the beautifully designed pavilions in Shanghai, it is easy to get dazzled by the various art forms and cultures on display.
Yet, in my opinion, the best theme of this grand show is "development".
First, development that leads to progress has put the world's poor center-stage.
More than 100 years ago, China could merely display traditional artifacts and agricultural products, such as tea, silk and porcelain.
They were viewed as nothing more than exotic curios by the Westerners.
The Chinese who participated then were overawed when they saw the steam engine, light bulb and other ground breaking inventions that ushered in a period of industrialization and changed the world forever.
Today, China and other developing countries participating at the Expo are showcasing not only their unique cultures but also modern technologies.
The Shanghai Expo has seen more developing countries participating than ever before. The China Pavilion and Africa Joint Pavilion vividly represent the all-round progress of developing countries.
When I saw that, Deng Xiaoping's famous words came to mind - "Development is the top priority".
Over the past decades, China's commitment to economic development brought it to the forefront globally. Other developing countries too have followed that mantra.
Tourists now have an opportunity to understand our colorful and diversified world, to pay more attention to the needs of developing countries and realize how closely we have been following in the world's footsteps.
