Nepal Declared Gold Medal at PACIFIC FLORA 2004 JAPAN

08th April 2004: NEPAL PAVILION has been declared Gold Medal among 22

participating nations at the PACIFIC FLORA 2004, on its grand inaugural

ceremony today at Hamamatsu, Japan. THE NEPAL PAVILION GARDEN has been

named as GARDEN OF ENLIGHTENMENT(Satorino Niwa).

The theme of the exhibition is "Flowers, Greenery and Water: Creating,

New Style of Living" Some 5 million Japanese and overseas visitors are expected to

visit the Pacific Flora 2004. It is a great opportunity to introduce and promote Nepal

to the outer world and strengthen age old friendship ties between Nepal and Japan

through this international Flora exhibition says Surendra Shakya, the Executive

Chairman of Himalaya Network Group, which is participating in the PACIFIC FLORA

2004 JAPAN.

PACIFIC FLORA 2004 is an international exhibition organized to create among

visitors an awareness of humanity and environmental heritage of mankind such

as flowers, greenery and water encouraging a New Style of Living in the

modern world. PACIFIC FLORA 2004 presents a unique opportunity to take a

fresh look at the relationship between the modern human societies, the

natural world and encourage people to build a better and brighter future.

The cost of construction of Nepal Pavilion and its overall management comes

to around 40 million yen. Himalaya Network is funding the entire cost on

its own without any formal support from any national or foreign

organization. Mr. Surendra Shakya, the Executive Chairman of Himalaya

Network, believes that the investment will be more than paid off by the

enhancement of Nepal's international image and the promotion of her trade

tourism and investment potential through the pavilion.

Pacific Flora 2004 is an international horticultural exhibition officially

recognized by the International Association of Horticultural Producers

(AIPH). This event is the third of its kind being held in Japan. It

encompasses the idea of working together of people from all walks of' life

to realize a new type of exposition based on the ideals of "dialogue,

development and creation".

Shizuoka International Garden and Horticulture Exhibition "Pacific Flora

2004/Japan" is being organized by the Association for the International

Garden and Horticulture Exhibition for 187 days from 8th April to 11th

October 2004 at Lake Harnana Garden Park of Shizuoka Prefecture. Apart from

the participation of many Japanese institutions, many Countries from all

over the world are taking part in the exhibition, presenting their

individual idea of bringing people close to nature.