Ken Jarrett, chairman of the USA National Pavilion Board of Directors, and Jim McIlvenny, Dow senior vice president, sign the contract.

Officials from China and the United States make a toast to celebrate the occasion.

The USA Pavilion organizers announced today that US-based Dow Chemical Company, one of the world's top 500 businesses, has become an official and exclusive sponsor in chemical and material sciences field for the pavilion.

The two sides signed a sponsorship deal in Shanghai today as Dow gave another strong boost to the USA Pavilion.

Dow will offer sustainable products and solutions for the pavilion and other Expo related projects and showcase its cutting-edge technologies and products such as insulation products, DOWTHERMTM SR-1 heat transfer fluid, and the water purification system at the pavilion.

A string of Dow solutions have been used in Expo buildings. DOWTHERMTM SR-1 heat transfer fluid has been selected as the air-conditioning supplier for the China Pavilion and the Expo Performance Center. It uses sophisticated cold storage technology to cut energy consumption and relieve power pressure at peak periods.

Dow is an exclusive supplier of insulation boards - StyrofoamTM to the Shanghai's "eco-house," an eco-friendly residential house at Urban Best Practices Area. The StyrofoamTM will also be used in France's Rhone-Alpes region pavilion as the pavilion's insulation material for roofing, basement and floor.

Jim McIlvenny, Dow senior vice president, said the process of Expo preparation is just like "climbing the mountain" as today marks the Double Ninth Festival (ninth day of the ninth lunar month) and it's a tradition for Chinese to climb the mountain that day.

"The focus of the Expo is innovation, and this is the word Dow is very comfortable with. Dow is proud to be a sponsor of the USA pavilion and contribute to the success of the Shanghai Expo."

He said the majority of products’ manufacturing process involves chemistry, therefore, Dow has the opportunity to "change the world for the better." He mentioned that through the Expo, Dow hopes to demonstrate some of the company's latest technology innovation and products.

"The Expo and USA Pavilion promote environmentally sustainable communities and the use of technology to improve people's lives, which is in line with Dow's vision and commitment."

He mentioned that Dow's employees are very engaged in the service at the Expo Exhibition Center as the first enterprise to provide volunteer support for the center. Since last July, more than 150 Dow employees have volunteered at the center as guides among other positions.

Ken Jarrett, chairman of the USA National Pavilion Board of Directors, said the board appreciates Dow's sponsorship. He noted that work on the pavilion is proceeding smoothly in construction, staffing and fund raising among others. He said Dow's sponsorship reflects its long-term presence in China and commitment to this important market as well as its commitment to sustainability, good corporate citizenship, social responsibility and efforts in promoting positive relations of the two countries.

Shanghai US Consul General Beatrice Camp said she believed Dow's participation will help show off the best of US eco-friendly technologies to all visitors.

Huang Jianzhi, deputy director general of the Bureau of Shanghai World Expo Coordination, said the pavilion has witnessed very rapid progress. He appreciated all corporations' contributions in the project.

The US government signed the official participation contract on July 10, and the steel structure of the pavilion was finished within 89 days. With the theme "Rise to the Challenge," the country's 6,000-square-meter will present a dynamic and emotional story that radiates powerful core values shared by both the Chinese and American people – sustainability, teamwork, health as well as the Chinese community in America.

It will also display American culture, values and innovation, while celebrating the friendship and cooperation between US and China.

Dow delivers a broad range of products and services to customers in around 160 countries, connecting chemistry and innovation with the principles of sustainability to help provide everything from fresh water, food and pharmaceuticals to paints, packaging and personal care products. It combines the power of science and technology with the "human element."