Media release
Australian Minister for Trade, Mark Vaile
Wednesday, August 16, 2000
MVT72i/2000
Australia a hit as Expo 2000 nears half-way
Trade Minister Mark Vaile today welcomed news that Australia's Pavilion at World Expo 2000 in Germany was among the top five in attracting visitors as Expo neared the halfway mark.
"The Pavilion, which I visited in late June, has clearly established itself as a leader. It's attracting record numbers, the retail area is doing great business, and the bar is regarded throughout Expo, and Hanover, as the place to be," Mr Vaile said.
Along with the German, the United Arab Emirates, and the theme pavilion "Planet of Visions", Australia's is one of the most popular. Over 1.5m visitors had passed through the striking pavilion before Expo's halfway point on August 16. Plans are in hand to welcome the two millionth visitor later this month.
"We're drawing almost 25% of visitors, double our average at previous expos. It's a great achievement, considering 170 countries and organisations are taking part. Media and visitor feedback is overwhelmingly positive, and we?re getting across the core message that Australia has much more to offer than the traditional stereotypes.
"The business seminars in the pavilion's QANTAS Club are opening German industry eyes to our achievements and capabilities in sectors such as environment and energy technologies, biotechnology, automotive and agribusiness. Follow up action will translate this interest into greater tourism, trade and investment flows.
"The entertainment and arts program has drawn the highest praise and has demonstrated the diversity and strength of our arts communities. Our National Day program was acclaimed as the most colourful and sophisticated staged at Expo."
To capitalise on Australia's Expo presence, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade will hold an "Australia Week" promotion at Hamburg's Park Hyatt Hotel (August 14-20). The promotion will include a business seminar conducted by Australia's Berlin Embassy with Austrade; entertainment by Brisbane's jazz duo "Stringmansassy" and promising young artist, Brett Lethbridge. A menu of fine Australian food and wine has been prepared by guest chef from Brisbane Antony Scholtmeyer. Also, the Australian Wine Bureau will conduct a tasting to introduce Hamburg residents to Australia's best.
Local Date: Sunday, 12-Feb-2012 15:26:21 EST