Foundation stone laid for India pavilion

Imran Mojib, Special Correspondent

India’s Minister of Commerce & Industry Piyush Goyal laid down the foundation stone of India pavilion at the site of Expo 2020 Dubai on Sunday.

Executive Director of Expo 2020 Dubai Bureau Najeeb Mohammed Al Ali, Indian Ambassador to the UAE Navdeep Singh Suri and Consul General of India in Dubai Vipul were also present on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, the minister said that India is taking the project very seriously. “We believe that it is an opportunity to showcase to the whole world India’s history, culture, heritage, and also the huge opportunity that India offers, the bright future that defines – India next. I have no doubt in my mind that this pavilion will become the most sought after pavilion,” he said.

The minister said that there are a number of ideas to enhance the value proposition this pavilion will offer to visitors.

“We are working with designers to see how we can showcase the best of India. And the best of what is going to come to India in the future. This is an opportunity to show innovation, an opportunity to show how India is planning to become a more sustainable nation, and the mere fact that India is the world’s greatest opportunity for business, for investment with 1.3 billion people aspiring for better future. There will be no better place in the world than India for investments, trade, tourism. We wish to make Expo 2020 a showcase project to show that that the future is in India,” said Goyal.

Earlier, the minister visited the site of the Expo 2020 Dubai and took stock of the preparations. He also reviewed the model of the Expo planned for next year.

The minister had unveiled the design of the India pavilion at a function held in Dubai on Sunday . The India pavilion will be a permanent structure being constructed in the ‘Opportunity’ segment. The building will embody India’s love of nature and will be environment friendly. It will also showcase the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi being celebrated this year.

Twenty-seven focus sectors have been identified to showcase India’s advances in space, pharmaceuticals, information technology, renewable energy and telecom sectors and also India’s strength in innovation and start-ups.