Russia to take active part in EXPO-2017 in Astana

Russian companies have confirmed their active participation in the EXPO-2017 that will take place in Astana from June 10 to September 10, 2017, Tengrinews reports citing the press service of Kazakhstan’s Foreign Ministry.

On September 17-18, a Kazakh delegation led by EXPO-2017 Commissioner, Kazahstan's Vice Foreign Minister Rapil Zhoshybayev, paid a working visit to Moscow, Russia.

During the visit, Kazakhstan's main Russian partners confirmed their intiention to actively participate in the EXPO-2017. The sides agreed to cooperate in development of tourism in the run-up to and during the exhibition.

In Moscow, Rapil Zhoshybayev also held meetings with Russian Vice Foreign Minister Vasiliy Nebenzei, Russian Vice Minister of Industry and Trade Georgiy Kalamanov, Head of Russian Federal Agency for Tourism (Rosturizm) Oleg Safonov, who led the organizing committee of the 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Sochi, Dmitriy Chernyshenko and Vice President of Skolkovo Innovation Center Alexander Chernovoi.

The Kazakh delegation also held a presentation of the EXPO-2017 for the heads of the Russian regions' missions of the Russian Government.

The Kazakh delegation updated the Russian officials on the course of preparations for EXPO-2017. The organizers of the exhibition expect a large-scale participation of Russian state companies, large private companies and R&D centers. For its part, Kazakhstan is ready to provide all the necessary conditions.

Given Russian scientific, innovative and technological potential, its pavilion at the exhibition is expected to present a rich content, which may arouse huge interest from the visitors.

During the meeting with the head of Russian Federal Agency for Tourism Oleg Safonov and heads of missions of Russian border regions, Rapil Zhoshybayev told about Kazakhstan’s strategy to boost tourism and stressed the role of EXPO-2017 as an engine for tourism development. The sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in the field of tourism, including cross-border one. Following the meeting, Astana EXPO-2017 national company that runs the preparations to the EXPO-2017 in Kazakhstan and Russian Union of Tourism Industry signed a memorandum of understanding.

At the meeting with Russian Vice Minister of Industry and Trade Georgiy Kalamanov, the sides discussed cooperation of Kazakh and Russian relevant state bodies on Russia’s participation in EXPO-2017 as well as attracting companies operating in energy, construction, engineering and alternative energy.

During the meeting witn Dmitriy Chernyshenko, who was the chief of the organizing committee of Olympic Games in Sochi, the Russian expert shared his experience in organizing the Games, including investment management, cooperation with contractors, tourists’ accommodation, organization of the volunteers’ work as well ensuring security.

The EXPO-2017 will take place in Astana from June 10 to September 10. Astana expects participants from over 100 countries, 10 international organizations and many leading companies in innovative technologies. The city will host over 3000 cultural events during the exhibition.

By Assel Satubaldina