Interview with : Jean-Maurice Hébrard, Director of ERAI, Chine Entreprise Rhône-Alpes International

What are the objectives of the Rhône-Alpes pavilion?

Jean-Maurice Hébrard - Since 1986, the Rhône-Alpes Region and the municipality of Shanghai have developed close ties in the fields of the economy, higher education, research and culture. For its first participation in a World Expo, the Rhône-Alpes Region aims to establish its urban model by promoting the concept of the "multipolar" city, an alternative to the megalopolis, a new vision of "living together". Out of 117 entries, two projects from the Rhône-Alpes region were selected as part of the original "Area of Best Urban Practices": the eco-built pavilion and the Cities of Light project.

Will the pavilion be used solely to promote companies from the region?

J.-M. H. - One of the functions of the venue is to promote the Region's companies and economic players, who are being given the opportunity, over a 26-week period, to showcase their expertise in the fields of transport, the cultural and image industries, new energies and eco-construction. The aim is also to showcase their innovations, set up B-to-B meetings with their Chinese partners and promote their know-how to the general public.

Is there any question of keeping the pavilion after Expo 2010?

J.-M. H. - The Rhône-Alpes pavilion will be maintained after Expo 2010. The Chinese ambassador to France has strongly encouraged the creation of a permanent platform for cooperation between Rhône-Alpes and Shanghai.