Mark Rowswell, perhaps the most famous foreigner in China and also known as "Dashan".

Mark Rowswell, perhaps the most famous foreigner in China and also known as "Dashan", was yesterday appointed Canada's Commissioner General for the 2010 Shanghai World Expo.

Canada's Minister of Foreign Affairs Lawrence Cannon, who made the announcement, said: "As a citizen of the world and cultural ambassador, Mark Rowswell will be Canada's official representative to promote Canada in China and welcome guests to our pavilion."

Rowswell, 44, expressed his gratitude - and accepted the offer in Chinese, English and French.

Dashan, a well-known TV comedian and anchor as well as a language educator in China, said of his new role: "It is a combination of cultural ambassador and government official".

The World Expo 2010 will be held from May 1 to Oct 31 next year and is expected to attract 70 million visitors.

(China Daily May 14, 2009)