THE Philippines is set to participate in Expo 2020 Dubai, which will be held in Jebel Ali, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, between Oct. 20, 2020 and April 10, 2021, according to Malacañang.
The goal of the Philippines’ participation in the expo is “to promote before the world audience the heritage, talent and ingenuity of the Filipino people, as well as showcase the country’s vibrant economy, tourist destinations and emerging technological innovations.”
The Palace released on Friday, April 26, a copy of Administrative Order No. 17, which President Rodrigo R. Duterte signed on April 24 to constitute the Philippine Organizing Committee for Expo 2020 Dubai.
“The participation of the Philippines in the Expo 2020 Dubai provides an excellent opportunity to further enhance the country’s presence in a global scale, and promote the country’s commercial and public interests in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia region,” the document reads.
With the theme “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future,” Expo 2020 Dubai, according to the Palace, “offers a platform to foster creativity, innovation and global cooperation, which will contribute to the country’s goal of vigorously advancing science, technology and innovation as a strategy for long-term growth, consistent with the Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022.”
The Philippine Organizing Committee which will be composed of the Departments of Trade and Industry, Tourism, Foreign Affairs, Budget and Management, Labor and Employment, Science and Technology, and Information and Communications Technology.
The committee will formulate and implement a work plan, and it will also act as the coordinating body between the private sector and other government entities.
It will also ensure that the benefits of the country’s participation “are maximized through a concerted and cost-effective national approach.”
The document further states that “all departments, bureaus, offices, agencies or instrumentalities of the government, including government -owned or -controlled corporations and government financial institutions, are directed to render full assistance and cooperation to the [committee] to effectively carry out the objectives of this Order.” — Arjay L. Balinbin
