Popular Portuguese Fado singer Mariza performs at the opening ceremony of the Portugal Pavilion Day on Sunday.

Portugal National Pavilion Day celebrations in the Expo Garden on Sunday helped promote Sino-Portugal economic cooperation and create a vibrant plaza atmosphere.

Portugal's Minster of Economy, Innovation and Development, Jose Vieira da Silva, visited Shanghai for the two-day celebration of Portuguese National Pavilion Day and to promote trade between China and his country.

"During the Expo, we will host a series of themed weeks highlighting different enterprises from Portugal, such as wine, energy and engineering, and give companies the opportunity to showcase their products," da Silva said in an exclusive interview with China Daily.

Portugal has set up a business center at its pavilion to promote products from Portugal to Asian countries, especially China.

With the themes of a "Plaza to the World" and a "Whole World of Energies", the Portugal Pavilion reflects the concept of sustainability in the construction of buildings in modern cities, and highlights the key elements of national policies in economic and environmental terms.

To celebrate Portugal National Pavilion Day, top actors and actresses from the country, including popular Fado singer Mariza and pop group Amlia Hoje, performed on Sunday. Fado is a Portuguese music style that integrates Portuguese, African and Brazilian elements.

"I lived in a traditional Lisbon neighborhood and have always sung Fado. I understand myself through it," Mariza said.

Earlier in the day, the pop group Amlia Hoje held an open-air concert in Europe Square in the Expo Garden. Giant carnival dolls, drummers and traditional folk dancers from Viana do Castelo paraded during the day.

Rehearsals for the performance, The Color of Saudade, led by Chanho Antonio, one of the Portugal's top guitarists, and Chinese singer Gong Lina where also held. The concert, to be held at the Expo Center on Monday evening, will incorporate a combination of Fado and Chinese music styles.

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