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The information officer for the Swedish East India Company, Annika, announced today (Aug. 9th) at the "Gotheborg" Expo Park at Zhoutouzui that the "Gotheborg" will leave Guangzhou for Shanghai on August 18 for a two-month maintenance before heading back towards Sweden.

The Swedish consul general in Guangzhou, Mr. Ulf Sormark, revealed that, in light of the overwhelming response from Chinese people, the Swedish side is currently mulling the possibility of sailing the "Gotheborg" back to Guangzhou in 2010.

At a press conference, Mr. Sormark said that before her departure, the "Gotheborg" will continue to take part in various activities, and that many distinguished guests are on the way to Guangzhou from Sweden, such as the mayor of Gothenburg. Given the huge success of the visit, the Swedish side is considering sending the "Gotheborg" back to China in 2010 during the Shanghai World Expo and the Asian Games in Guangzhou.

The information officer for the Swedish East India Company, Annika, stated that so far 50,000 visitors have come onboard the "Gotheborg". She regretted the inability to allow more visitors onboard due to the limited size of the ship.

As planned, the "Gotheborg" will depart Zhoutouzui Wharf on August 17 for Huangpu Port, where she will again raise her rigs and bid farewell to Guangzhou on August 19. On her departure day, the South Sea God Temple will hold a sea tribute ceremony again to wish the "Gotheborg" plain sailing to Shanghai.

Editor: Donald