Počivalšek officially inaugurates Slovenia’s pavilion at Expo

Dubai – Economy Minister Zdravko Počivalšek officially inaugurated Slovenia’s pavilion at the Expo 2020 in Dubai on Saturday, saying that the event was an excellent opportunity to boost international cooperation and for Slovenia to show its knowledge, innovation and energy to the global public.

In addition to Počivalšek, Slovenian Ambassador in Abu Dhabi Oto Pungartnik, the ceremony was also attended by the chairs of the parliamentary economy and foreign policy committees Mateja Udovč and Monika Gregorčič.

The minister is happy that the presence of Slovenian companies in Dubai is the largest in history of Expo.

“Out unique pavilion will offer an extensive programme of business events for six months; from business forums, presentations of Slovenian breakthrough ideas, to expert debates and networking of Slovenian companies with visitors from the entire world,” he added.

Počivalšek expressed the belief that the United Arab Emirates were exceptionally interesting for Slovenian companies. “Trade in 2020 amounted to EUR 123 million, and we are convinced that there is much room for upgrading the results in both directions.”

Slovenian commissioner for Expo Matic Volk added that “Six intensive, although interesting and very important months are ahead of us. Six months that could determine further positioning of Slovenia in this part of the world.”

Volk added that the Slovenian pavilion was attracted many looks and said he was convinced that that Slovenia would fill it with a diverse programme and interactive content.

The country’s promotion at the Expo, which is expected to attract 25 million visitors, will focus on three markets: Asia, Africa and to a certain extent South America.

The pavilion is built of wood, has a green facade and is surrounded by water, paying a tribute to Slovenia’s three main natural resources – wood, nature and water.

Inside it, visitors will be transported to Slovenia with the help of state-of-the-art digital technology in what will be an immersive experience.

Počivalšek took the opportunity of the visit to Dubai to hold a number of bilateral meetings. On Friday, he attended the opening of the Serbian pavilion, and today he received Vice-President of the European Commission Josep Borrell.

The minister also visited the Saudi Arabian pavilion, the second largest at Expo, and and in the Brazilian pavilion he was received by Brazilian Tourism Minister Gilson Machado Neto.

Before returning to Slovenia, Počivalšek will meet on Sunday United Arab Emirates’s Minister of Economy Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri.

The post Počivalšek officially inaugurates Slovenia’s pavilion at Expo appeared first on Slovenia Times.