World Expo 2010 is expected to take place from May 1st to October 31st 2010 in Shanghai, China under the theme “Better City, Better life” .Over two hundred and forty-one (241) countries and international organizations are participating in this event, with an estimated seventy(70)million persons expected to visit the Expo over its six month duration.
On April 18th 2010 a delegation of three persons headed by the National Coordinator, Mr. Gregoire Thomas will leave Dominica for the People’s Republic of China to represent Dominica at the Expo.
Dominica’s participation will form part of the CARICOM Pavilion which comprises St.Lucia, Bahamas, Jamaica, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada, Suriname, Guyana, Belize, Haiti, Barbados, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda and Trinidad and Tobago. Each island has its own booth with its specific design within this Pavilion (www.expo2010.gov.cn).
The Objectives identified for Dominica associated with our participation in the Expo are as follows:
· To showcase the country as a suitable location for private investment.
· To promote the island as an ideal destination for visitors
· To explore opportunities for doing business with international companies
The local agencies involved in preparations for the event are Dominica Export Import Agency (DEXIA), Invest Dominica Authority (IDA), Discover Dominica Authority (DDA) and to a lesser extent other local franchises.
Dominica’s participation in Expo 2010 Shanghai China will strive to stimulate interest in visitors who will come to see what the country has to offer at its booth. Such interest as a result of Expo 2010 is likely to result in an increased number of visitors to our shores, additional market share for our exports and investment in the country’s productive sectors.
Support for Dominica’s participation is being provided by the Chinese Government and covers expenses associated with booth design, pavilion operating expenses and other logistical arrangements.
The Government of Dominica through the Ministry of Trade is deeply grateful for the financial support provided by the Government of the People’s Republic of China for making it possible for Dominica to participate in this major World Expo.
