Construction work of Beijing Expo 2019 gathers pace

Text and pic by Ashwin Hemmathagama in Beijing

Construction works of the Beijing Expo 2019, approved by the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) and recognised by the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), which is the highest-level world horticultural expo ever hosted by the Chinese Government and organised by the city of Beijing is now underway.

International Horticultural Exhibition 2019 Beijing China shortened to ‘Expo 2019’ themed ‘Live Green, Live Better’ is scheduled to place from 29 April 2019 to 7 October 2019. During the 162 days of the Expo 2019, the organisers estimate attracting no fewer than 16 million visitors, the largest in the event’s history, from no fewer than 100 participating countries and international organisations and no fewer than 100 enterprises from home and abroad.

Construction of public landscapes, major pavilions, and the infrastructure is well under way. So far, 39 countries and international organisations, including Germany, Algeria, Thailand and others have given written confirmations on participation, 26 countries and international organisations, including the UK, France, the Netherlands and the World Intellectual Property Organization have clearly declared their participations.

Under steady progress is the work for the joint participation by 14 countries of the Pacific Island Forums and 15 countries of the Caribbean Community. Expo 2019 Beijing has signed contracts with its first batch of global partners, including Air China, China CYTS Tours, Shunxin Holding, Vanke Group and others and confirmed on the first 10 franchise product producers including Beijing Gongmei Group and the first eight franchise retailers for the Expo 2019 Beijing.

The franchise products of the Expo 2019 Beijing were simultaneously released to the market in five franchise product retailers and this signalled that the brand of the Expo 2019 Beijing officially appeared on the market.

The site of the Expo 2019 Beijing, located in an ecological conservation area in Beijing, has an area of 503 hectares. The Expo 2019 has formulated the Comprehensive Plan, which is aimed to build a demonstration area for ecological progress and for ‘Beautiful China’. It has the following five features: First, the Expo 2019 Beijing puts the people first. 

According to the organisers, the Expo 2019 Beijing is a showcase of new concepts, new technologies, new plant varieties, and new equipment in the development of horticulture. The internet, face recognition, and other advanced technologies are used to make a smart expo, along with new operating models.