Qatar on Tuesday laid the foundation stone for its pavilion at EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan, aiming to further fortify the comprehensive strategic bilateral partnership, which has been flourishing for more than 50 years.The event was attended by Jaber Jaralla al-Marri, Qatar's ambassador to Japan and Commissioner-General of Qatar at EXPO 2025; and Sheikh Ali Alwaleed al-Thani, deputy commissioner-general and chairman of the preparation committee for Qatar's participation in EXPO 2025 Osaka, as well as a number of political, media, social and business figures in addition to EXPO organising committee representatives.The EXPO, which will be held from April 13 to October 13, 2025, will focus on three sub-themes "Saving Lives, Empowering Lives and Connecting Lives."The pavilion was collaboratively designed by Qatar Museums and Kengo Kuma and Associates after extensive visits to Doha by the designers.The pavilion’s design is inspired by a fusion of Qatari and Japanese cultures, particularly the shared elements such as the wood used in the building of traditional dhows, the wood used in the construction of traditional Japanese houses and the fabric used in their interiors. The total area of the pavilion is estimated at 1,292sqm.Highlighting that Qatar's participation aims to showcase the country's achievements across various fields; al-Marri said it offers an opportunity to strengthen and foster economic and social links not only between the two friendly countries but also with other nations participating in the exhibition.Sheikh Ali said Qatar's participation involves establishing a distinguished, high-level pavilion characterised by its innovative design and state-of-the-art equipment, showcasing the nation’s rich history, vibrant present and promising future across various fields."This endeavour also presents an opportunity to spotlight the country's developmental milestones, promoting Qatar as both a prime tourism destination and an attractive hub for global businesses and investors across diverse economic sectors," he added.The activities planned at Qatar Pavilion will underscore the nation's progress towards Qatar National Vision 2030, in addition to presenting the incentives and investment prospects offered by the state to implement its plans aimed at achieving economic diversification under the targets of the Third Qatar National Development Strategy 2024-30.The exhibition will additionally feature an exceptional experience that exemplifies the strong ties between Qatar and Japan in many areas, including culture, trade, customs and traditions. About 150 countries and 25 international organisations will participate in the exhibition, attracting 82mn visitors including 3.5mn from outside Japan.
April 23, 2024 | 11:27 PM