The Honourable Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Amb. Mariam Yalwaji Katagum said that Nigeria is set to showcase the abundant natural and human resources available in the 36 States of the Federation and the FCT at the forthcoming Expo 2020 Dubai between the 1st October,2021 and 31st March 2022 at Dubai.
The Minister made this known during the Media Round Table on EXPO 2020 Dubai which had in attendance the United Arab Emirates Ambassador to Nigeria H.E. Dr. Fahad Obaid Al Taffaq, members of the Local Organizing Committee chaired by the Ministry, officials of the Ministry, the Media and other stakeholders in Abuja today.
Amb. Katagum stated that Nigeria’s participation in the Expo 2020 Dubai which is anchored on a theme: “Harnessing opportunity, Creating the Future” with critical sectors of the Nigerian economy such as Agriculture, Manufacturing, Creative Industry, Culture and youthful generation which would be showcased to the world to tap into abundant opportunities available and to benefit from the Expo.
According to the Minister, “Nigeria’s participation in EXPO 2020 Dubai is anchored on a theme: “Harnessing Opportunity, Creating the Future”. Nigeria aims to showcase the abundant natural and human resources available in the 36 States of the Federation and the FCT. To this end, critical sectors of the Nigerian economy such as Agriculture, Manufacturing, Creative Industry, our Culture and youthful generation would be showcased to the world to tap into abundant opportunities available and to benefit from the Expo”.
She explained that, Nigeria’s pavilion is located at the Opportunity Zone of Dubai 2020 in line with Nigeria’s theme statement and the Nigeria’s Opportunity City is a rich showcase of life in Nigeria, the culture and people through unique narratives and media, spotlighting five avenues, namely, Resilience, Enterprising, Respectful, Hardworking, Tech and Sports because each of the avenues depicts the uniqueness of Nigeria.
The Minister hinted that Nigeria has scheduled 23 customized events including Trade and Investment Forum, Musical concert, Women in Laughter, Football friendly, Adire fashion show, Women in film, Art of recycling, Cultural performance, Dance shows and Find Your Place in the Food Chain while all venues have been booked.
She stated that important dates to note included the 6th November, 2021 as Nigeria’s National Day, Nigerian Trade and Investment Forum, tentatively scheduled for 22nd November, 2021 while at least twenty-three customized events for Nigeria including participation in the Women’s Pavillion, Music Concert, Nigeria Tech Conference, Digitizing Healthcare, Manufacturing Matters among others .
The Minister, thanked the Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to Nigeria, H.E Dr. Fahad Obaid Al Taffaq and the government of the United Arab Emirates for the wonderful support and extensive collaboration they have given to Nigeria in terms of participation in the EXPO 2020 Dubai.
She also appreciated His Excellency, Ambassador Rimi, Nigeria’s Ambassador to the UAE who is also the Commissioner – General for EXPO 2020 Dubai and all the local Organizers comprising several Ministries, Departments and Agencies chaired by the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment for all their supports
In the remarks of the UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, H.E.Dr. Fahad Al Taffaq, he stated that the six month- long exhibition which will take place from October 1,2021 to March 31, 2022 in Dubai would present an opportunity to bring the world together in a spirit of hope and optimism and help shape a better post- pandemic future by inspiring new and exciting solutions to overcome some of the world’s most challenging issues.
He said, “The economic impact of the event cannot be over emphasized , So far the Expo 2020 Dubai has registered more than 46,000 organizations from 180 countries to do business with Expo 2020. Expo 2020 Dubai retains its name and remains committed to hosting an exceptional event that will be a celebration of culture, technology, innovation, humanity resilience, creativity and human excellence”.
The Ambassador noted that 5.12billion AED worth of contracts have been awarded to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) which account for 54 percent of the businesses registered with the Expo and 55 percent of all Expo 2020 contracts awarded to the sector , laying emphasis on small and medium enterprises as key to future growth and job creation in the region.
In the opening remarks of the Director, Trade Department in the Ministry, Mr. Aliyu Abubakar noted that Nigeria, as an active member of Bureau of International Expositions (BIE) had participated in most of the previous Expositions such as Expo Hannover 2000 in Germany, Expo Aichi 2005 in Japan, Expo Zaragoza 2008 in Spain, Expo Shanghai 2010 in China and Expo Yeosu in South Korea 2012.
The Director stated that the Nigeria’s participation in Expo 2020 Dubai is anchored on sharing ideas and experiences, promoting culture and harnessing opportunities.
Oluwakemi Ogunmakinwa Mrs.
Assistant Director Information
For: DD/ Head; Press and Public Relations unit
