India to invest Rs. 230 crore in World Expo 2020 pavilion

India will invest Rs 230 crore in constructing the India Pavilion at the World Expo 2020 in Dubai next year and plans to raise Rs 200 crore from participation charges, publicity and sponsorships. The investment would be done in construction, curation, interiors, maintenance and security.

Commerce and industry minister, who is in Dubai, on Sunday proposed a mechanism for those who visit the expo, to be able to visit India.

“We would like it if people who come to visit the expo can extend their visit and travel to India. We will make India Pavilion the best pavilion of Expo 2020,” Goyal said. He was speaking at the brick laying of the India Pavilion at World Expo 2020 here.

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

“These themes will be changed every few days to showcase India’s strengths,” said an official aware or the details.

Almost 25 million visitors are expected to visit the expo, which will be held in Dubai from October 20, 2020-April 10, 2021. Industry chamber Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) has been tasked with helping the government to prepare for Indian presence at the Expo.

Goyal on Saturday also pitched for a facilitation process to double the number of visitors from UAE as the government on Friday also reduced the goods and services tax (GST) on hotel rooms with tariffs of up to Rs 7,500 per night to 12% from the existing 18%. There is now nil tax for those with tariffs of up to Rs 1,000 per night. The tax on room tariff of above Rs 7,500 has been slashed to 18% from the existing 28%.

“GST has been reduced making tourism activities more affordable. There is a huge potential to showcase our culture at the India Pavilion which will encourage people to visit India more,” he said.