1 March 2004 Media Statement
Phillip Gibson to head NZ team for World Expo
Prime Minister Helen Clark today announced that senior diplomat Phillip Gibson has been appointed New Zealand’s
Commissioner General for the World Expo 2005 in Aichi, Japan.
Mr Gibson is currently New Zealand’s Ambassador to Japan. He will be seconded to New Zealand Trade and Enterprise for
the duration of the Aichi World Expo project.
“Mr Gibson is one our most senior diplomats, with extensive experience in the Asia region, having been Ambassador to
Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar, as well as Japan. He played a seminal role in the development of Asia
2000 in his term as chief executive of that organisation.
“He brings to this role valuable insights, strong business connections, and a fresh perspective on New Zealand’s profile
in Japan and Asia.
“The primary focus of the 2005 World Expo will be on the environment and technology, which ties in strongly with the
government’s drive to develop an innovative, high tech economy which enhances New Zealand’s environment and quality of
life.”
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, and Tourism New Zealand will be the
government agencies involved in the project. The private sector is also being approached for support.
Around 110 countries have committed to participating in the Expo, including Australia, Canada, most members of the
European Union, and many Asian countries.
The participation is expected to cost up to $8.5 million. The last World Expo at which New Zealand participated was the
Seville Expo in Spain in 1992.
ENDS