BIE Chief Raises Concerns Over IR Construction During Osaka Expo

The head of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), the governing body for World Expos, has expressed serious concerns about the ongoing construction of an Integrated Resort (IR) in Osaka, Japan, during the upcoming World Expo. The BIE’s Secretary General, Dimitri S. Kerkentzes, voiced these concerns during a recent interview, highlighting the potential for noise, dust, and visual distractions from the construction site, which is located near the Expo’s venue. He emphasized the need for careful planning to ensure the success of the Expo, which is scheduled to take place in April 2024. While Osaka officials have maintained their commitment to the IR project, the BIE has called for a pause in construction during the Expo period to minimize disruptions.