Haier, the world's largest manufacturer and marketer of whiteware, is now one of three foundation sponsors of the New Zealand pavilion at Shanghai World Expo, which officially opens on May 1.

Haier is one of China's largest companies, with 29 manufacturing centers and 60,000 employees.

Phillip Gibson, New Zealand's Commission-General for the Expo, on Thursday described Haier's decision to join Zespri and Solid Energy as a Foundation Partner for the New Zealand pavilion as a " tremendous boost".

"Haier, because of its status both in China and on the global stage and its strong interest in New Zealand, will be a prestigious major sponsor for the New Zealand pavilion," Gibson said in a media statement.

He said that it was important that there was strong private sector support for the New Zealand participation at the Shanghai World Expo.

Other major sponsors include Fonterra, Air New Zealand, ANZ and Ngoi Tahu, along with foundation sponsors Solid Energy and Zespri.

The New Zealand pavilion at the Expo Park in Shanghai is close to completion, with finishing touches now being added. It is expected that some 40,000 people will visit the New Zealand pavilion each day.

(Xinhua April 15, 2010)