'The crossroads of civilizations'

SHANGHAI - Expo visitors are flocking to the Republic of Uzbekistan Pavilion to get a glimpse of the handicrafts that are on display there.

The country's achievement in porcelain production was displayed with about 60 pieces of hand-made porcelains and pottery decorated with regional-style patterns.

"There are 12 regions in Uzbekistan and all of them can produce porcelains with unique local features," said Asiya Almyasheva, director of the Uzbekistan Pavilion. "We can identify their origins from their colors and patterns."

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Some handicrafts will be given away for free after the Expo.

Themed "The crossroads of civilizations", the pavilion is located just opposite the Japan Pavilion and is attracting more than 10,000 visitors a day.

The exterior wall is decorated with a mirror-like blue plastic board that reflects movement at the Expo Garden during the day. A crane sculpture that symbolizes freedom was placed on the roof of the structure.

"The pavilion is quite unique. I was attracted and impressed by the bright color," said Joyce Lin from Singapore.

Apart from the porcelains, pottery and glassware exhibited in the pavilion, organizers of the Uzbekistan pavilion are also keen to introduce tourism and business opportunities in the country. The achievements in urban planning are also highlighted in the pavilion, where cities built in the Kyzyl Kum desert are showcased.

Meanwhile, the exhibition also highlighted the unique lifestyle in Uzbekistan.

"People know and take care of each other in the community, which is important in creating a better city," said Oibek Mirbabaev, deputy commissioner-general of the Uzbekistan Pavilion.

This is Uzbekistan's fourth participation in the World Expo, following Tedzhon, Hanover and Japan.

The building occupies an area of 1,000 square meters.

"This is the first time Uzbekistan has an individual pavilion," said Oibek. "We had the exhibition in a joint pavilion in the previous Expos."

"Uzbekistan is a country that is not well known in the world," said Lin from Singapore. "The exhibition offered a good chance for us to explore the place."

For those who are impressed by the porcelain exhibition in the pavilion, operators have set up a souvenir store at the exit of the pavilion so visitors could purchase some locally made handicrafts.