‘PAKISTAN PAVILION WILL STRENGTHEN BILATERAL, TRADE RELATIONS WITH UAE’
Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi yesterday visited his country’s pavilion at the Expo 2020 Dubai site.
He is the first top Pakistani dignitary to visit the pavilion after it was handed over to the Pakistani expo team early this year. Upon arrival, he was received by the Expo 2020 team and was briefed about the Expo 2020 plans. Rizwan Tariq, Director General of Pakistan’s Expo team informed the foreign minister about the Pakistan Pavilion during the tour. Pakistan Ambassdor Afzaal Mahmood and Consul General Ahmad Amjad Ali also accompanied him.
Speaking on the occasion, Qureshi said: “Pakistan pavilion at the Exp 2020 Dubai site is the testimony of strong relations between UAE and Pakistan. I believe that the Pakistan Pavilion will further help strengthen bilateral and trade relations between the two countries.”
Gulf News had reported earlier that the Pakistani pavilion was being built at the cost of $28.72 million (Dh105 million). The initial cost was estimated to be around $16 million, but it jumped due to additions to its design to create the ‘wow’ factor.
The Pakistan pavilion is located in the Opportunity District on a large plot, with a total covered area of 35,000 square feet. The inner journey of the pavilion is set under the theme ‘Pakistan: The Hidden Treasure’ with an aim to enhance tourism, commerce and investment in the country. The pavilion will take visitors through a timeless journey from the world’s earliest recorded civilisations to the challenges of the new millennium. It will also showcase Pakistan’s culture and heritage through a digital experience.