Austria announced the completion of external construction of its Expo 2020 pavilion on 22 September.

“The postponement of the World Expo until October 2021 made it necessary to adapt the timeline for the construction of the Austria pavilion,” said Austria’s commissioner general Beatrix Karl.

“Phase one of construction is now finished, with the completion of the outer shell.”

Austria held a ground-breaking ceremony for its pavilion in October 2019 and completed the first stage of pavilion construction in March 2020, erecting the first of the 38 cones that will form the pavilion.

Read: Austria brings a unique touch to its expo pavilion

The cones have a diameter of 7 metres at the base, are between 6-15 metres high and intersect one another to form space sequences of varying sizes. A total of 246 prefabricated elements were connected by couplings to form the 38 cones, making it easier to dismantle and reassemble the cones at a different location.

“Construction phase two will last until the beginning of 2021," added Karl. "The exhibits, fittings and furnishings will be installed in plenty of time before the opening."

Expo 2020, which was originally scheduled to commence in October 2020, has now been postponed to October 2021 due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. Most participating nations have readjusted pavilion delivery plans in accordance.

Related reads:

• Dubai resets the clock for Expo 2021
• Finland takes Expo postponement in stride
• France reaffirms Expo 2020 commitment

The health crisis has also affected global trade and investment, including the export-oriented Austrian economy.

"Our participation in the World Expo in Dubai – with more than 190 participating countries and innumerable businesspeople from around the world – is an important step in getting exports back up to speed as quickly as possible," said Harald Mahrer, president of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber, in the same statement. 

"At the Austria pavilion, we will present forward-looking products and services that are made in Austria to an international audience and will further boost the profile of our companies in the region."