Switzerland will take part in Dubai Expo
DUBAI, April 30, 2020
Due the Covid-19 pandemic, a number of global events are being postponed. Among the events expected to be postponed is Expo 2020 Dubai. Following its meeting yesterday, the Federal Council has confirmed Switzerland’s participation in this major event, which is now expected to be held in 2021.
In light of this, the council has instructed Presence Switzerland at the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) to continue preparations for the Swiss Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai with a new budgetary framework.
The Executive Committee of the Bureau International des Expositions requested at its meeting on April 21 that member states postpone Expo for a year. The proposal is expected to be adopted before the end of May.
Manuel Salchi, commissioner general of the Swiss Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai, said: “I am happy to announce that Switzerland confirmed its presence at the Expo 2020 Dubai in 2021 and joins the consensus in favour of the postponement in solidarity with the organizer and all participants. We herewith reaffirm our strong commitment to the success of Expo 2020 Dubai.”
In spite of these postponements, which also entail additional costs for Switzerland, the Federal Council views such large-scale events as an opportunity to position Switzerland and promote its economy, particularly during the post-Covid-19 phase. The council has therefore approved the additional related costs. - TradeArabia News Service
