Dubai: The Republic of Guinea opened the doors of the country’s pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai on Friday, pitching in with a call for global investments into the West African nation, focusing to develop its energy, agro-industry and infrastructure sectors.
Guinea, known as the ‘Water Tower of Africa’, owing to being the origin of many rivers of the region, is participating in the mega event under the theme ‘Tap into the source of West Africa’, while highlighting the country’s sustainable development and urban renewal focused on water.
“With 192 countries participating and an anticipated 25 million visitors, Expo 2020 Dubai is a slice of the world and for countries like Guinea, it offers a dynamic platform to present the country’s potential and attract inward investments. It is also significant that Guinea looks at this participation to deepen economic and cultural relationship with the UAE, the Expo’s host country,” said Seriane Kenema, Guinea’s Deputy Commissioner General at Expo 2020.
High mobile penetration
She added that Guinea will be looking for innovation-driven partnerships in some of the financial services segments like mobile banking and remittances as well as e-commerce, mobility, health and agriculture. Guinea is one of the top five African countries with a mobile penetration of 65 per cent.
This is the first time Guinea is having its own pavilion in a World Expo though the country has been participating consistently earlier in Hanover, Beijing, Astana and Milan.
At the Expo in Dubai, Guinea will also highlight the country’s National Economic and Social Development Plan based on the “pillars of good governance, economic transformation, human capital development and protection of natural resources”.
This will help create a significant impact in communicating the country’s propositions to the world in a focused manner. This will also help Guinea to leverage Expo 2020 Dubai to boost its private sector by using the platform to showcase its trade and tourism potential, and strengthen its economic, commercial and cultural ties with other countries. The West African country is planning to strengthen its private sector and attract investments in a multitude of key sectors.
Reflecting water
In the Sustainability District, the Guinea Pavilion will buckle down on water management with help from visitors. The pavilion is reflecting water, which is being an essential element of the country’s history, culture and social norms. Visitors will run through “river-ways” inside the pavilion, and while going on the tour, they will be able to see Guinean historical figures, different regions, experience the people and culture.
The pavilion is the centre piece of the country’s participation in Expo 2020 Dubai, which also includes business focus programming and cultural shows, especially during the country’s National Day on February 13.
