Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Nishimura visited the planned venue of the Osaka-Kansai Expo and expressed his intention to hasten coordination so that the construction of overseas pavilions to be built by participating countries by the end of this year, which is concerned about delays in preparations, can be completed.
With regard to the Osaka-Kansai Expo to be held next year, the construction cost of the venue is expected to increase by up to 1.8 times to 2350 billion yen, and no country has yet started construction of overseas pavilions called "Type A," which will be built by participating countries on their own, and there are concerns about delays in preparations.
Against this backdrop, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Nishimura visited the planned venue in Osaka City on February 2.
At the site, we were told by the person in charge of the Exposition Association, which is the organizer of the exhibition, that about 35% of the construction of the ring-shaped wooden building "Large Roof," which is considered to be the symbol of the Expo, has been completed.
We also confirmed the progress of construction of overseas pavilions, such as Type B, which uses buildings prepared by the Exposition Association.
Speaking to reporters after the visit, Minister Nishimura said, "I received a report that construction is progressing steadily as a whole, and I would like to provide one-on-one support to countries that have not yet decided on a construction company for Type A and provide solid support so that a certain target can be reached by the end of this year."