North Korea... finally in Expo 2015 Milano...

April 12, 2015 - The Asahi Shimbun

North Korean pavilion will offer rare glimpse of nation at Expo 2015 Milano

(North Korea Pavilion At Expo 2010 Shanghai - ©LeMog)

ROME--North Korea, which suffers from a chronic shortage of food, will participate in Expo Milano 2015, themed on feeding the world.

The reclusive nation operated a pavilion for the first time at the world's fair in Shanghai five years ago.

Giuseppe Sala, commissioner of the Government of Italy for Expo Milano 2015, made the announcement on April 10 and welcomed the addition of North Korea.

"This is positive last-minute news, confirming what the expo seeks to be all about," Sala said. "A place of peace and of debate, an open platform."

The expo kicks off on May 1, and its theme is “Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life.”

North Korea will set up its own section at a joint pavilion, featuring the history of its Korean ginseng, a coveted specialty crop, and other subjects, according to the Agenzia Nazionale Stampa Associata (ANSA) wire service and other news organizations.

More than 140 countries are expected to participate in the world's fair, which runs through Oct. 31, displaying exhibits related to their cuisine culture and technology used in food production and areas associated with food.

The participants will also present exhibits on hunger and environmental issues.

The secretariat of Expo Milano 2015 estimates attendance at the expo will total about 20 million visitors.

The Japan Pavilion will be among the largest in terms of floor space.

It will feature techniques of cooking traditional “washoku” cuisine, as well as a food court offering a variety of Japanese dishes. July 11 is designated as Japan Day.

North Korea was a participant at Expo 2010 Shanghai China, in which it introduced its capital, Pyongyang, from various aspects.

By YUKIE YAMAO : http://ajw.asahi.com/article/behind_news/social_affairs/AJ201504120031