Astana (IINA) - Kazakhstan's First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Rapil Zhoshybayev said on Monday that his country will host EXPO for the first time in Central Asia region, pointing out that the Kazakhstani capital city of Astana's EXPO theme "Future Energy" brought the attention of 160 member countries of the Bureau of International Expositions.
In a statement sent to the International Islamic News Agency (IINA), Zhoshybayev said that Kazakhstan "wanted EXPO to showcase the latest knowledge and developments in clean and alternative energy from across the world to help countries make the switch to green economies. The vote was almost unanimous which is why we are so determined to make it a huge success".
"We see EXPO-2017 – as a national project. Billions of dollars are being invested to prepare the site and infrastructure and to ensure that its positive impact will continue to be felt long after the exhibition is over. Our President Nursultan Nazarbayev has called for EXPO-2017 to drive our country’s third industrial revolution including through a focus on renewable power, new, hi-tech industries and the creation of a highly-skilled workforce," he added.
Regarding the construction works of the exhibition grounds, Zhoshybayev pointed out: "Smart power supply networks are being put in place while buildings will harness renewable power sources. This unique and highly advanced building project will spur on the development of the economy and embed these new technologies and innovations into the life of our country. Astana will not only gain a new district with modern buildings and infrastructure, but the site will also provide a new centre for innovation after the exhibition".
Zhoshybayev also said that his country is "working hard to provide high-standard accommodation and easy working conditions" in order to protect "the long-standing Convention on International Exhibitions", which says: "cities and countries are required to create the right environment for EXPO participants".
He added: "We are taking all necessary steps to streamline visa procedures and put in place guarantees on customs and local taxation. Regarding to visa regime, we have realized a visa-free regime for 19 countries: Australia, Hungary, Italy, Monaco, Belgium, Spain, Sweden, Malaysia, United Arabian Emirates, Singapore, Great Britain, Norway, the Netherlands, the USA, Finland, Germany, France, Switzerland and Japan. The residents of these countries will be able to enter Kazakhstan without a visa for up to 15 days (until) December of 2017. During the implementation of this project, we will identify existing disadvantages and administrative barriers; evaluate the level of preparation of the tourism industry to inflow of visitors, the ability providing of necessary and available services to people".
"We will expand the list countries whose citizens will be granted free-entry visa to Kazakhstan," Zhoshybayev stated, noting that his country has identified the countries that are planning to sign an agreement on a mutual abolition of visas. He also said that electronic and group visas would be introduced in the nearest future, adding that the country is working on improving the system of border and migration control.
He pointed out: "We expect over 100 countries and international organizations to be part of the EXPO-17. During 2015, I am visiting a great number of countries to sign participation agreements. The next 12 months will also see concentrated efforts to lift any remaining barriers to participation as well ensuring our tourism industry is ready to meet the needs of the millions of visitors".
The first deputy minister uncovered that "there are two new bus stations and a railway station is already under construction in Astana while work on a new terminal for our international airport will begin soon. Exhibition pavilions and new housing spread out over 173 hectares will be constructed over the next two years".
Speaking of the expected results, he said: "The face of Astana will be completely different by 2017. It is also crucial to plan now for how the pavilions and the site will be used after the exhibition is over. Our aim is for the exhibition area, to become a new centre for Astana. There are plans for these ultra-modern buildings, many of which will be powered by green energy, to be turned into cultural centres as well as for industrial and residential use. Part of the complex has already been ear-marked as an additional campus for Nazarbayev University (Nursultan Nazarbayev, President of Kazakhstan), where its students and scientists will be able to develop new technologies".
He also said the exhibition area will become a financial centre after EXPO-2017, and that it will operate on the principles of English law on the example of Dubai International Financial Centre.
Zhoshybayev concluded that Expo-17 will become an "unforgettable event", and he invited Arabian companies to partake in the preparation and holding of the EXPO-2017. He also said that Arabian companies should benefit from Expo-17 and present their best technological achievements and "know-how".
AG/SB/AA/IINA
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