The Italian capital of Rome which has applied to be the host of the Universal Exposition (World Expo) in 2030 has started campaigning in different countries to gather support in its bid.

While informing about Rome’s candidacy at the expo in Kathmandu on Monday, the ambassador of Italy to Nepal and India, Vincenzo De Luca, hailed the Nepal-Italy relationship.

“Previously, when the expo was held in Milan, Italy in 2015, Nepal's pavilion was the most attractive. Many visitors were attracted,” Luca said. Italy is very capable of organizing such expos successfully, he said.

Luca recalled that Italy provided a lot of financial and human support when Nepal went through a massive earthquake the same year. He said Nepal’s participation in the expo after the earthquake made the friendship and unity between the two countries stronger.

"At that time, we had created various projects related to culture and heritage conservation and I want to inform you that those projects are now being implemented," Luca said. He also said that the two countries have already signed an agreement to establish a permanent consultation mechanism.

Among the European countries, Italy is now becoming Nepal's second largest trade partner, Luca said. "We are cooperating more in technology, food processing equipment, space science, and tool manufacturing, among others,” he said.

Every year, Italian tourists visit Nepal in considerable numbers. “We will further encourage them to visit Nepal,” Luca said. Italians like Nepal's culture, mountains and hiking, he said.

Luca said that instead of investing huge amounts of money to make the expo grand, they are working to make it sustainable, yet grand. "We will promote renewable energy, energy efficiency, and green cities," he said. These are matters of self-interest for Nepal as well.

Kathmandu has been emphasizing sustainable tourism and cultural preservation. “We believe that we will get Nepal's support for the Rome Expo as we are friendly countries that share the same values,” Luca said.

Along with Italy, South Korea, Ukraine and Saudi Arabia have also applied to host the expo. The General Assembly of the International Bureau of Expositions to be held in November 2023 will select the host nation through a one-country, one-vote basis.