Philippines to spend less than P1 B for Dubai expo participation

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine government is spending less than P1 billion for the country’s participation in Expo 2020 Dubai, the first world expo to be held in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia region, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said.

Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said in a statement yesterday the amount being spent is expected to be earned back through tourism, trade, services and investments, as the DTI is organizing an investment mission to Dubai to coincide with the event.

During the expo, the Philippines will have a pavilion covering 3,000 square meters with a 1,300-square meter enclosed area designed by  Budji+Royal Architecture+Design and curated by Marian Roces.

The pavilion will feature five exhibits, an artisanal cafe, as well as GoLokal! stores which are concept stores for Philippine micro, small and medium

After the expo, the exhibit would be installed permanently in New Clark City.

Last April, President Duterte signed Administrative Order 17 which directs the creation of an organizing committee for the Philippines’ participation in the Expo 2020 Dubai to be held between Oct.20,2020 and April 10, 2021.

The organizing committee for the event is composed of the DTI, as well as the tourism, foreign affairs, budget, labor, science and technology, and Information Communications Technology departments as members.

Participation in the Expo 2020 Dubai is seen as a good opportunity to enhance the country’s presence in the world, as well as promote its interests in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia region.

“Our most important goal in participating at the expo is to present a country brand that reflects our rich history and our values as caring, compassionate and creative people,” Lopez said.

He said it is also in the interest of the country to join the expo with around 700,000 Filipinos in the United Arab Emirates.

Expo 2020 Dubai will feature 190 country pavilions and is expected to attract 25 million tourists.