Dubai 2020 Expo:Govt allocates US$5 million to represent Pakistan

Aftab Ahmed

Islamabad: The federal government has approved $ 5 million for ministry of commerce for representing Pakistan in Expo 2020 Dubai, it is learnt on Thursday.

Ministry of Commerce has worked out a total cost of  $ 27 million for participating in EXPO 2020 Dubai, which is scheduled to be held on Oct 20, 2020 to 10 Apr 2021 under the theme “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future”, an official familiar with the development told Newztodays.com.

Out of this total cost of $ 27 million, the Government of Pakistan will provide only $ 5 million while the rest is to be raised from the alternative like sponsorships and EDF, an official said.

The prime minister has earlier constituted steering committee under the chair of Advisor to PM on Commerce & Trade along with representatives from relevant ministries and provincial departments as well.

The PM also designated ambassador to UAE as Pakistan’s Section Commissioner  General and Trade Development Authority of Pakistan as the responsible national authority to organize participation of Pakistan in the EXPO 2020.

Ambassador of Pakistan signed the contract of participation in EXPO 2020 Dubai on Oct 28, 2018 during the visit of Advisor to PM on Commerce & Textile. Pakistan has reserved a large size plot of 3450 sq.m for construction of Pakistan Pavilion. It will depict theme of “Emerging Pakistan”.

It is estimated that 25 million visitors will visit the EXPO 2020  and 7 0% visitors are expected to be foreigners from 160 countries. They have confirmed their participation and the number is  expected to 180 countries.