Eswatini will showcase its wonders on the world’s stage at the newly formatted Dubai Expo. The plan to attend the show was successfully launched in February 2020 though the COVID-19 pandemic has delayed the exciting opportunity for Eswatini.
Contrary to the world’s speculation that the Expo would be cancelled following its postponement in late 2020 due to the pandemic, the United Arab Emirates Government has given all participating countries the assurance that the Expo will be taking place this year as planned over a six month period under strict Covid-19 regulations.
The Expo brings together governments, civil society, private sector, international organisations and the general populace to present innovative ideas, promote progress and foster international cooperation. This year marks the 34th edition and the first to be held in the Middle East.
Commissioner General of Eswatini’s Expo 2020 Dubai planning committee, and CEO of the Eswatini Tourism Authority Linda Nxumalo explains that Eswatini has a lot to offer.
“In line with the Expo’s theme, the Kingdom of Eswatini has aligned itself with the sub-theme of ‘Mobility’ which is an envisage of building of partnerships and the paving of new exploits.
“As a multisectoral global exhibition, the Expo 2020 Dubai is, without a doubt, a prime opportunity for many countries around the world, including the Kingdom of Eswatini, to showcase their diverse and unique offerings in infrastructure, commerce and trade, technology and innovation, tourism and travel, as well as agriculture and food production.
“To this end, we will be showcasing what the country has to offer holistically from an Infrastructure, Agriculture, ICT, Tourism, Arts and Culture, as well as Commerce and Trade perspective. These showcases will be complemented by a series of engagements with other markets in global business forums through which the country will create relations with nations, multilateral organisations, corporations and educational institutions.”
Eswatini’s participation in the Expo 2020 Dubai will benefit the country in the refined brand equity for Eswatini in the medium to long term, explains Honourable Minister for Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Moses Vilakati.
“The event is projected to host over twenty-five million visitors during the six months period. The benefits of Eswatini’s participation in this expo include an improved and positive image for Eswatini as portrayed by the international community. A visible Eswatini full of peace, a safe and secure destination for tourism and endowed place for doing business. Improved reflectivity for African and international brands of companies, products and innovations. Connect with African and other global Innovators. Technologists, Research & Development nucleus as well as technology financiers from the rest of the globe to build partnerships with our Royal Science and Technology Park (RSTP).Develop attainable synergies and aligning with the African Union position in the continent as far as the participation intents for the EXPO. Promote tourism, trade and new investment for the Eswatini Private Sector and global linkages.”
The Honourable Minister also remarked a collective effort would be the best method to make the most of this opportunity.
“I would like to encourage the coordinating team to continue meeting on a regular basis to ensure seamless coordination of the event. Consultative meetings that involve all stakeholders are expected to proceed and track progress to ensure Eswatini’s effective participation at the EXPO including preparing for the Eswatini National Day Celebration.
“As for the National Day, all partaking countries have been allocated slots to celebrate their National days and Eswatini has been given 12th October 2021. During this day the country will be expected to showcase its culture through dance and cuisine. This is another way of marketing the country and showing the world our uniqueness as a destination. We hope to have a fair number of our cultural troop to showcase what Eswatini has to offer to the world.”
The Expo 2020 Dubai will take place between Friday 1 Oct 2021 and Thursday 31 March 2022.
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