Fake souvenirs hurt genuine experience

SHANGHAI - Expo organizers have vowed to stop the sale of fake Expo memorabilia in and around the Expo Garden to guarantee visitors a pleasant experience in the city and at Expo 2010 Shanghai.

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Expo organizers have taken action in the last two months by working with law enforcement departments and the crackdown has generated some positive outcomes.

"The number of vendors selling fake products in and around the Expo Garden has decreased significantly," said Lin Shenyong, director of the commercial administration and service department in the Expo Garden.

The fake products sold in the Expo Garden have caused mounting dissatisfaction among visitors.

"I was stopped by fake-product sellers several times when I left the Expo Garden," said Li Yingchun, a visitor. "They are annoying."

Sellers offering small fake souvenirs like mobile-phone chains and key rings are also occasionally found at the site, especially after 6 pm around the Joint African Pavilion. The souvenirs are sold at a much lower price than those sold in licensed stores.

"I do not know how those people can enter the Expo Garden with so many fake products in their bags," said a visitor surnamed Zhang.

"The fake products in and around the Expo Garden do have some negative impact on the sales of licensed products," said Gu Jun, deputy director-general of the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce. "It has disturbed the commercial order in the Expo Garden."

Expo organizers will also strengthen efforts to prevent visitors from purchasing fake products in order to protect the intellectual property rights of the Expo.

Service points have been set up in Zone A of the Garden to assist visitors in identifying purchased goods, especially valuable items, such as jade or gold products.