Prime Minister, Imran Khan has reportedly slashed funding for Dubai Expo 2020 by 66 per cent to $ 5 million from proposed $ 15 million, asking concerned authorities to arrange remaining funds from alternate sources, sources close to Finance Minister told Business Recorder.
This decision was taken at meeting held under the chairmanship of the Prime Minister on October 8, 2018 in the Prime Minister' Office to discuss Pakistan's participation in EXPO-2020. Rafeo Bashir Shah, Secretary TDAP gave a detailed presentation on EXPO 2020, Dubai, encompassing the Expo 2020 theme, the preparations made so far, location and size of Pakistan pavilion, selected theme, and funds required for building the pavilion. Maozzam Ali Kahn, Pakistan's Ambassador to the UAE, explained the tendering process to hire the firm for designing the Pakistan pavilion, its importance in the regional context and for Pak-UAE relationship.
During discussion Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, emphasized that Pakistan's participation is more of a strategic/political importance than purely for commercial benefits. He explained that Pakistan had given official confirmation for participation in July 2016 and is not in a position to withdraw the commitment at this stage in view of the importance of Expo 2020 to the UAE government.
Ambassador of Pakistan to the UAE explained that a design/architecture firm of international repute (M/s PICO + MESA) has been shortlisted under the provisions of PPRA Rules for designing Pakistan Pavilion. He also displayed the draft conceptual design submitted by the short listed design firm. While discussing the theme and the design of the Pakistani Pavilion, the Prime Minister directed to add tourism potential to the theme to be displayed at Pakistan Pavilion.
The sources said, during discussion on the budgetary constraints and provision of funds to be utilized for the project, Minister for Finance, Asad Umar raised the issue of the funding involved in the project and its cost benefit analysis.
The Advisor to Prime Minister on Commerce, Textile, Industries and Production and investment stated that the Ministry of Commerce in collaboration with Pakistan embassy in the UAE is making efforts to generate funding from alternate sources as well, however, before reaching out to private sector the government needs some commitment from Finance Division. He requested allocation of minimum of $ 15 million.
However, after hearing the Finance Minister and Advisor on Commerce, Textile and Industries and Production, Abdul Razak Dawood, Prime Minister approved $ 5 million for the project and directed that the remaining funds be arranged through alternate sources.