Canada confirms Expo 2020 participation!

A total of 190 countries have already confirmed their participation for Expo 2020.

• 190 countries have already confirmed their participation for Expo 2020.

Expo 2020 continues to grow bigger as Canada has confirmed its participation in the upcoming mega event set to be held in Dubai next year.

The G7 nation's participation was sealed during two separate high-level meetings between Jim Carr, Canada's Minister of International Trade Diversification, Mohammad Al Gergawi, UAE Minister of Cabinet Affairs and the Future, and Mohammed Al Shaibani, director-general of the Ruler's Court, Government of Dubai, held on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

"The UAE is a hub for important global events like the Expo that will help contribute to a brighter global future. We are working hard to ensure greater international cooperation to enhance the future of humanity, founded on the strong relationships that we enjoy with countries around the world, including Canada," said Al Gergawi.

"It is welcome news that Canada is rejoining the Expo movement to participate at Expo 2020 Dubai. We are looking forward to leveraging the Expo platform to continue to build on investment ties with Canada, Canadian companies and the Canadian community here who call the UAE their home," said Al Shaibani.

Expo 2020 Dubai will mark Canada's first participation in a World Expo since Expo 2010 Shanghai China, and will see the country showcase its economic, social and cultural contributions to a global audience of millions.

Carr said with the eyes of the world on Dubai, Canada's presence at Expo 2020 affirms the vitality of Canada-UAE relations, while showcasing the best Canada has to offer. "We only need to look at the lasting effects that hosting two world fairs has had on the fabric of our own nation to understand the potential this represents for Canada and for Canadians."

A total of 190 countries have already confirmed their participation for Expo 2020. Among the countries that have confirmed their pavilion plans include Austria, Brazil, Czech Republic, Finland, Germany, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Oman, Poland, Switzerland, the UK and the UAE.

During the six-month long exhibition, Canada will also be able to further promote its trade diversification strategy through the next World Expo. Canada has a long history of participating in World Expos and has hosted two previous editions: Expo 67 in Montreal and Expo 86 in Vancouver.

Canada and the UAE already enjoy strong bilateral relations and Expo 2020 Dubai will offer a unique opportunity to boost them further. The UAE is Canada's largest export market in the Middle East and North Africa region, with merchandise exports valued at $1.6 billion in 2017.