DUBAI: Pakistan's participation in Expo 2020 Dubai is expected to boost international arrivals to the country, Islamabad's envoy to the United Arab Emirates has said, as the world exhibition opens on Friday.
The first world fair to be held in the Middle East, Expo 2020 Dubai was delayed for a year by the coronavirus pandemic. It will host exhibitors from almost 200 countries.
Themed "Connecting Minds, Creating the Future," the exhibition is divided into three sub-theme districts: Opportunity, Mobility and Sustainability. The Pakistani pavilion is in the Opportunity area.
“We are expecting a good number of tourists from all over the world after the display of Pakistan’s development plans and tourism attractions at the Expo 2020,” Ambassador Afzaal Mahmood told Arab News in an interview earlier this week. "All the six regions of Pakistan have planned extensive trade, investment and tourism promotion."
Pakistan Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Photo courtesy: Pakistan Consulate Dubai)
The ambassador said Pakistan's pavilion, which cost $21.4 million to be built on 3,200 square meters, is anticipating large crowds.
"We are showcasing our long history, diverse culture and potential for trade, investment and tourism," Mahmood said, adding that infrastructure, energy, and housing will also be in focus during the six-month long event.
Pakistan's Expo 2020 pavilion, themed "Pakistan: The Hidden Treasure," was built with $14 million funding support from the UAE and inaugurated by the Pakistani prime minister's adviser on commerce and investment, Abdul Razak Dawood in March.
"It will serve as the hub of business opportunities and promoting our 7,000 years old culture," Dawood said at the time, adding that Pakistan expects Expo 2020 to give the Pakistani business community "access to networking with the international market and investors."
