Bulgaria to Miss Shanghai 2010 Expo, Expenses Too Big

Bulgarian Ministry of the Economy, Energy and Tourism has been unable to secure the promised BGN 4,685 M for Bulgaria's participation at the world Expo 2010 in Shanghai, China. Photo by EPA/ BGNES

Bulgaria may not participate in this year's world Expo 2010 in Shanghai, China because the state is unable to cover the expenses.

Bulgaria's Ministry of the Economy, Energy and Tourism has already allocated BGN 1,3 M to the Plovdiv International Fair Association which is in charge of organizing Bulgaria's representation at Expo 2010.

However, these funds fall short of the money that the Ministry has promised to secure – over BGN 4,685 M.

This has triggered the Plovdiv International Fair Association to declare that if it does not receive the needed funds by 30 April, Bulgaria will not have its representation at the Shanghai world trade expo this year.

The Ministry has responded by saying that the BGN 1,3 M state budget money it has already secured is the utmost it can do in the present financial crisis situation. Last fall the Ministry requested that Bulgaria's Finance Ministry provides additional funding for Expo 2010 but its request was turned down.

China, on the other hand, has already granted Bulgaria an additional BGN 920 000.

In February 2010 Bulgaria's Economy and Tourism Ministry demanded that the Plovdiv International Fair Association present a detail report of how the money has been spent.

The association is managed by the Bulgarian businessman Georgi Gergov who is being investigated over charges of alleged illegal privatization deals.

The Expo 2010 in Shanghai, China entitled “Better Life, Better City” will take place between May 1 and October 31, 2010 and over 200 countries are expected to participate.

Bulgaria has a pavilion of 324 sq. m. and its participation at the Expo will focus on the links between the present and the past, Bulgaria's cultural and historical heritage and life in present-day living.

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