Bulgaria Mulls Shutting down Shanghai Expo Pavilion

People walk outside the Turkey pavilion at the 2010 Shanghai World Expo site in Shanghai while many say the Bulgarian display pales compared to those of most countries even from the Balkans and CEE. Photo by BGNES

The decision to close Bulgaria's pavilion at the world Expo 2010 in Shanghai, China because the state is unable to cover the expenses is going to be made Tuesday.

The news was reported by the Director of the International Plovdiv Fair, Bogomil Bonev, who says the decision will be revealed after a meeting with Economy and Energy Minister, Traicho Traikov, who is in Plovdiv to open the Spring Fair.

Several days ago, the management of the world Expo 2010 in Shanghai gave Bulgaria an ultimatum to provide additional financing by May 14 otherwise the country's pavilion will have to be closed. From the BGN 1.3 M slated by Traikov's Ministry, only a mere BGN 19 000 remain. This will make impossible maintaining the pavilion until the end of the expo – October 31, 2010.

Bonev, however, rejected accusations the Bulgarian pavilion and display, which many say is quite plain compared to others, even from the Balkan region, had been made without competition, but declined to state the name of the contractor company claiming confidentiality of information.

The BGN 1.3 M were allocated to the Plovdiv International Fair Association which is in charge of organizing Bulgaria's representation at Expo 2010. In February 2010, the Economy Ministry demanded from the Association to present a detailed report of how the money has been spent.

The association is managed by Bulgarian businessman, Georgi Gergov, who is suspected in organizing illegal privatization schemes.

The Expo 2010 in Shanghai, China entitled “Better Life, Better City” takes place between May 1 and October 31, 2010 with participants from over 200 countries.

Bulgaria has a pavilion of 324 sq. m., focusing on the link between the present and the past, Bulgaria's cultural and historical heritage and present-day way of life.