SHANGHAI: 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.