17 replies to this topic

[wf256]

I was just wondering around the BIE site, and noticed that Milan is ahead of its target of countries signing up in 2011, with 56 already (target of 50 by end 2011)

http://www.bie-paris...milan-2015.html

[worldsfairent]

That's encouraging to hear. Given Italy's economic woes-- not to mention everyone else's-- I've been half-worried they'd call the whole thing off.

[expoboy]

I noticed no participation from North America so far. Canada is usually one of the first in line to sign up.

[cesco_82]

60 countries so far + UN

last ones: Moldavia + Dominican Republic + Bangladesh

[cesco_82]

+ Nepal = 61 Participants

[cesco_82]

+ Qatar
+ Thailand

=

63 Participants

[cesco_82]

+ Lebanon
+ Slovakia
+ Tajikistan
+ France
+ Guinea Bissau

= 68 official participants

[Jim]

Not sure why Canada has not become involved but it should be noted that the Harper government closed the Canadian consulate in Milan several years ago (along with a number of other consulates) pleading Federal poverty. Oddly, it was closed about the time Toronto lost its 2015 bid to Milan. I would guess the US will not officially participate. How foolish is that? I am also interested in the fact that Shanghai turned a profit. Impressive.

[expoboy]

As I mentioned previously, I am surprised that Canada has not signed up. Since Expo 67, they have usually been among the first dozen to express interest in participation. I agree Jim, the U.S. will probably not participate. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was able to garner enough interest from private concerns to mount a U.S. exhibit in Shanghai but I don't think the economic and political reasons that spurred interest in Expo 2010 exist for Expo 2015.

[cesco_82]

the US are participating in the Recognised Yeosu Expo 2012 so I guess they'll be in Milan too (although with that odd private participation)

Toronto has never been an applicant for 2015. Just Izmir was with Milan.

[cesco_82]

+ Oman
+ South Korea

it's 69 Countries + UN

[cesco_82]

+ Kirgizistan = 71 official Participants

[Jim]

I am unsure if Toronto had a formal bid with the BIE for the 2015 exposition, but a May 15, 2009 article written by Christopher Hume in the Toronto Star clearly indicates the city had been working to prepare formal plans for several years and threw in the towel at that time. The article is entitled: "Toronto's Loss Big Gain For Sister City Milan."

[cesco_82]

surely not formally

[cesco_82]

it's 75 official participant right now:

+

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

+ Vietnam
+ Pakistan
+ Italy (as a participant, not organizer)