Osaka,May 2, 2025 — Despite formal appointments and government-issued commitments, the construction of Nepal’s national pavilion at World Expo 2025 in Osaka has come to a complete standstill. Three weeks after the grand opening of the Expo, the Nepal Pavilion remains inaccessible to the public, with piles of construction materials and unfinished landscaping visible through its windows.
The Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Supplies of Nepal had previously announced on April 29, 2023, the appointment of Bidh Management Pvt. Ltd. and Lalit Mandap Art and Architect Pvt. Ltd. (Joint Venture) as the Official Organizer for the Nepal Pavilion. According to the press release, the joint venture was authorized to oversee the full construction, interior setup, and operational planning of the pavilion under close coordination with the Nepalese government.
The decision aimed to ensure Nepal’s strong presence at one of the world’s largest international exhibitions, which is expected to attract over 28 million visitors. The Nepal Pavilion was designed to showcase the nation’s cultural richness, natural beauty, trade opportunities, and tourism potential.
However, despite these high-level intentions, construction of the pavilion has stalled due to unresolved financial issues. According to reports by Yomiuri TV on April 27, 2025, the construction company involved received an initial “start-up payment” from the Nepalese side, which allowed construction to begin in August 2023. The pavilion’s exterior was nearly 90% complete by early 2024, but subsequent payments were delayed indefinitely.
Multiple subcontractors continued working under the belief that the remaining payments would eventually be fulfilled. A construction firm official commented, “We were working with trust—assuming that a sovereign government would never default. But now we are facing heavy losses, having fronted the cost ourselves.” Materials remain idle, and no workers have been seen at the site since early April.
This stark contrast between official promises and ground-level execution has sparked criticism, both domestically and abroad. Expo visitors have expressed disappointment after discovering the pavilion closed, with some questioning Nepal’s readiness and commitment.
In its 2023 press release, the Nepalese government had urged all stakeholders to coordinate through the appointed joint venture and expressed optimism about the country’s participation. “The government of Nepal is committed to ensuring a dignified and effective presence at Expo 2025,” the notice stated.
Now, with little over five months left before the Expo concludes in October 2025, the fate of the Nepal Pavilion hangs in uncertainty. Observers say that without immediate financial intervention or diplomatic resolution, Nepal may lose a rare global opportunity to promote its image and economic potential on one of the world’s largest stages.
What Comes Next?
Sources close to the project claim negotiations are ongoing to resume construction. However, trust has been eroded, and contractors are demanding upfront guarantees before returning to work. Meanwhile, pressure mounts on the Nepalese government to uphold its commitments and avoid further embarrassment.
For now, the Nepal Pavilion at Expo 2025 remains a symbol of both hope and halted ambition—a striking example of how mismanagement and financial gaps can overshadow even the best diplomatic intentions.
