Tokyo, 18 April: The "Road to EXPO" programme was presented to mark the start of construction of the Austrian Pavilion, just under a year before the opening of the World Expo in Osaka 2025. A wide range of events, trips and projects will take place over the next few months as part of this programme. The focus will be on networking Austrian and Japanese stakeholders from various sectors.
Two days ago, the Ground Breaking Ceremony took place on the Expo site, officially marking the start of construction of the pavilion. Under the title "Composing the Future", future concepts and innovations from Austria will be presented - accompanied by the vigour of music. The design of the pavilion was presented last May and was created by the Viennese architecture firm BWM Designers & Architects. The internationally active Swiss consortium Nüssli is acting as general contractor, with the Japanese construction company Tekken being responsible for construction.
The high-profile Austrian delegation presented the programme for the coming months until the opening of the Expo in April 2025 on the occasion of the start of construction of the Austria Pavilion. The Austrian "Road to EXPO" comprises a large number of measures aimed at strengthening economic, scientific and cultural relations between Austria and Japan.
Minister of Labour and Economy Martin Kocher emphasized the aim of the Austrian participation in a video message: "During the Expo, we will not only show our well-known strengths in music and culture, but also Austria's innovative companies, research and education institutions. Our aim is to promote dialogue and exchange about opportunities and trends in Austria and Japan. In this way, we not only want to foster economic growth, but also a shared vision of the future that combines prosperity and sustainability."
Joint growth
The most important economic sectors shared by Austria and Japan are mechanical engineering and the automotive and semiconductor industries, all of which have very high added value. In addition to shared values such as quality, craftsmanship and reliability, the market structures are also similar. For this reason, the "Road to EXPO" aims to network stakeholders in a targeted manner.
Mariana Kühnel, Deputy Secretary General of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber, explains: "We initiate direct contact between Austrian and Japanese companies and organizations and bring them together through business delegation trips and events. In this way, both sides can learn from each other, and we can create opportunities for new, joint innovations that go far beyond the impact of the Expo. Because the Road to EXPO does not end in 2025. It is the beginning of a long successful journey into a fruitful and cooperative future."
Friends of EXPO Osaka
The Austria Pavilion itself is intended to be a place that combines Austrian tradition and values with innovation and progress. The "Friends of EXPO Osaka" initiative was founded to find outstanding examples that can be presented at the Expo. "We have already been able to attract a number of partners who want to make a contribution to the exhibition - from well-known companies to research and cultural institutions. Together with them, we want to show the world the breadth of Austrian innovative strength," reports Austria’s Commissioner General Ursula Plassnik.
By involving many partners, the Austrian pavilion is to become a place where companies, organizations, experts, and creative artists come together, bringing Austria and Japan even closer together.
Austria at Expo 2025 - www.expoaustria.at
The next world exhibition "Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan" will take place from 13 April to 13 October 2025 under the general theme "Designing Future Society for Our Lives". Around 160 countries and 9 international organizations will take part. The idea and architectural design of the Austrian pavilion "Composing the Future" come from BWM Designers & Architects. The exhibition concept was developed by facts and fiction. The Austrian contribution sees itself as a platform for dialogue and presents the diversity and performance of the economy and society. The Federal Ministry of Labour and Economy is covering 75% of the total costs, with the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber covering the remaining 25%.
