PNG gets green light to participate in World Expo

THE World Expo 2020 in Dubai, deferred to October this year due to the Covid-19, is focused on partnership and development, sharing ideas, technology and innovation by bringing countries together.
PNG’s participation in Expo 2020 was approved by the National Executive Council.
It was invited by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) deputy prime minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
PNG’s ambassador to Belgium and the European Union Joshua Kalinoe was appointed the commissioner-general.
The private sector is represented by the PNG Manufacturers Council in its coordination.
The council will be provided space at the PNG Pavilion in Dubai to coordinate activities of the private sector.
It will also have representation at different pavilions and exposition thematic events organised during the six months.
The Dubai Expo2020 organising committee said the UAE government would meet the pavilion cost for small states, PNG included.
The committee will also pay for one 20ft container and the associated shipping and delivery cost from Port Moresby to Dubai and return for the display and commercial materials.
But PNG will pay import duty for commercial products.
Apart from showcasing PNG’s vast natural resources, diversified culture, and the unique flora and fauna, the PNG Expo 2020 will expose products from SMEs and the cottage industry, including artifacts, crafts, spices, coconut by-products and jewelry.
Kalinoe said all participants would be ready to open their pavilions by October.