MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

The British Pavilion at the Expo Prado 2015: Best in Show

British Pavilion at the Expo Prado 2015: Best in Show

More than 75,000 people visited the British Pavilion at the Expo Prado 2015 -the largest agro-industrial exhibition in Uruguay. The Pavilion was awarded first prize in the category “Best Embassy and Chamber of Commerce Pavilion” by the Uruguayan Rural Association, organisers of the Expo.

During the 12 days of the show, British brands and companies related to the United Kingdom promoted their products and services.

The agro-industrial sector was represented by companies such as JCB, leading equipment manufacturer for the agro and building sectors, the Uruguayan Society of Hereford Breeders, which promoted the next Breed Congress that will take place in 2016, and the pharmaceutical company Norbrook, worldwide leader in veterinary products.

The British Council promoted English language and culture, through quizzes, English storytelling sessions for children and conversation lessons. International House and EF offered attractive options for those interested in studying English either in Uruguay or the United Kingdom. Both institutions raffled courses and student exchange trips.

Tourism also attracted many visitors. The Visit Britain stand —which promotes the touristic offer in the United Kingdom— provided an opportunity to learn more about the country. Those who completed a short survey participated in a raffle for a trip to London, courtesy of Compañía del Sur, and three nights of hotel accommodation from Géant Travel.

The Falkland Islands had a stand at the Pavilion, with the aim of promoting tourism and deepening trade links with Uruguay. Members of the Legislative Assembly Gavin Short and Barry Elsby, Rural Business Association Director, Paul Roberts, the Department of Agriculture Advisor, Ian Campbell, and a Chilean resident of the Islands, Jessica Campos, made contacts and held several meetings which they hope will lead to more trade between Uruguay and the Islands, especially in the wool and agricultural areas. The legislators also met with some of their Uruguayan peers in Parliament, some of whom had traveled in 2013 to the Falkland Islands.

The delegation was pleasantly surprised by the level of interest among the Uruguayans that approached the stand to learn more about the Islands. They had such a successful experience that they have already expressed their wish to return for Expo Prado 2016.

Entertainment and food were a major part of the exhibition. Visitors were able to enjoy a typical English tea at Oh La La!’s Tea House, which was awarded by Expo Prado in the gastronomic category, and taste Johnnie Walker Scottish whisky and Fuller’s beer at the pub, where several Uruguayan bands played British music.

Fashion was also represented, with visitors able to buy Barbour and Berkshire Polo Club clothing and footwear. Land Rover, leading high-end vehicle manufacturer, quality certification company FCR-DAS and financial services provider Baker Tilly International were also present at the Pavilion, which was insured by RSA.

The British-Uruguayan Chamber of Commerce, celebrating 100 years of activity in the country generating commercial links with the United Kingdom, had its own stand and a Mini car with the British flag, a favourite photo opportunity for our visitors.

On Saturday 19 September, dozens of people attended a talk about Chevening-ANII scholarships to study master’s degrees in the United Kingdom for the academic year 2016-17.

On the final day of Expo Prado, visitors enjoyed the Uruguay-Wales match live from the Rugby World Cup and at the end a rugby ball autographed by the national team Los Teros was raffled.

In addition, Ambassador Ben Lyster-Binns, Consul Katharine Felton and other Embassy staff had the honour to award prizes to this year’s best British breeds.

The British Embassy carried out this project under the global campaign “This is GREAT”, which highlights the best that the United Kingdom has to offer and invites the world to visit, study and do business with Great Britain.

The Expo Prado was visited by 406.852 people, according to sources of the Rural Society of Uruguay.