What can China learn from Walmart?

BEIJING Walmart announced at its flagship high-efficiency store in Beijing that it has become a Pavilion Partner of the USA National Pavilion at the Shanghai World Expo 2010.

Walmart said the announcement was made with the support of  U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke, who is on his first visit to China since being appointed by President Obama.

By participating in the USA Pavilion, Walmart said it will be able to share its efforts to bring high quality, high value and a sustainable approach with the 70 million visitors from China and around the world expected to attend.

Ed Chan, President & CEO of Walmart China, remarked, "Walmart is delighted to partner with the USA Pavilion at the Shanghai Expo 2010 and to have the support of Secretary Locke. The Expo theme of 'Better City, Better Life' is aligned with Walmart's mission of helping people save money so they can live better, and embodied in the company's longstanding commitment to China and the communities around the world where we do business. We are especially excited about the USA Pavilion's "sustainability" theme, because at Walmart, we believe that being an efficient and profitable business goes hand in hand with being a good steward of the environment."

As the largest retailer in the world, and a quintessential American company, it's no surprise Walmart would be a part of the 2010 Shanghai World Expo being held from May 1 through October 31, 2010. According to Walmart, it will help the USA National Pavilion, which will encompass 60,000 square feet, showcase American culture, values, innovation and business.

The Expo is expected to have some 70 million people will attend, 95% of whom will be from Mainland China. This will be the first time China has hosted a world expo, and already more than 190 nations have committed to participate.