The Government will spend $53 million showcasing New Zealand at Expo 2020 in Dubai, in an attempt to boost trade in the region and beyond.

Economic Development Minister Simon Bridges has made the announcement in Dubai today.

He said it's a unique and dynamic part of the world, and for New Zealand this is a relatively big play.

International Expos trace their origins back to the Great Exhibition in Crystal Palace, London in 1851.

Countries show off their goods and services, usually in distinctive and elaborate pavilions designed to stand out from others.

When Dubai bid for Expo 2020, its rulers said they would spend more than 10 billion dollars on a two square kilometre site that will contain three thematic areas: opportunity, sustainability and mobility.

New Zealand has been invited to participate in the sustainability precinct.

Simon Bridges said UAE is one of the fastest growing markets of the past decade and the New Zealand display will be the first at an international expo for 10 years.