EXPO-2017 will allow the world to consider Astana as a major international, exhibition, information and presentation platform - Vice-Minister of Economy and Budget Planning Timur Zhaksylykov

- You know that last year on November 26 the Presidential Decree established the State Commission for preparing and holding EXPO-2017 under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Serik Akhmetov. The government adopted a National Plan of organizing and conducting EXPO 2017 to 2013-2018 years. There have been created " Astana EXPO-2017 " JSC , Office of the National Consultant and Directorate for construction of facilities under the Akim's office of Astana. National company is now working at a substantial part of the registration dossier, the design and construction of infrastructure and facilities in the exhibition, as well as the organization and holding of the exhibition. National consumtalt office leads the development and promotion of the project registration dossier. Directorate at Astana akimat oversees the training and development of city infrastructure for effective conduct of the event. The following year, after defending the registration dossier, there will start work at construction of infrastructure and preparation of the exhibition area, as well as attracting investors, strategic partners, both domestic and foreign companies involved in alternative energy.

- Mr. Zhaksylykov, can you tell more about the registration dossier of EXPO-2017? What document is it?

- The registration dossier is full information about preparation and holding of the exhibition, as well as the warranty of the Government for the success of the event. In accordance with the rules of the International Exhibitions Bureau (BIE) the registration dossier consists of a master plan, a plan of post-exhibition use, communication plan, commercialization plan, financial plan and other documents.

The Master Plan is the main part. It is a mandatory part of the refined technical specifications provided by the participants of the international architectural competition for the best sketch idea of Expo-2017, which becomes a symbol of EXPO-2017 in Astana. At present, the state commission has approved a version of the master plan with the working title "A drop of oil." Communication Plan describes marketing strategy and media campaign to attract larger number of exhibitors and visitors. A commercialization plan is necessary for implementation of tasks to obtain the maximum economic benefit from the exhibition by maximizing revenue and minimizing costs. Registration dossier will be presented for consideration by the BIE in October 2013.

- How many applications have been filed for participation in the architectural competition for the best idea of ​​fairgrounds?

- International architectural competition for the best sketch of the idea of ​​Expo-2017 project has been announced on 18 February.

From the date of contest's start to the address of the company have been sent 30 registered and about 75 initiative applications of the participants. The contest will end July 18, 2013. From 12 to 19 August, after the evaluation of projects submitted to the jury, there will be an exhibition of entries. The competition results will be announced before September 1, 2013.

- How did BIE assess Kazakhstan's preparations to hold EXPO 2017?

- May 7, 2013 at the headquarters of the BIE in Paris, there was a meeting of the executive committee of the organization. It presented the work of the previous five months, provided information about the land area allocated for EXPO 2017. Also presented were some part of the registration dossier. June 12, 2013 at the 153rd session of the General Assembly of the BIE Kazakhstan made a report on the work done over the past six months from the date of the victory, and on the preparation of the registration dossier. In general, the BIE appreciated the activities held and noted that we had done considerable work on the project.

- What are the economic opportunities and advantages of holding EXPO 2017 for Astana and Kazakhstan in general?

- This will create tens of thousands of jobs, it will develop domestic tourism, increase the flow of foreign tourists and so on. In addition to attracting investment in construction of exhibition facilities, the economic effect is as follows: the objects constructed within the framework of EXPO, will allow to consider Kazakhstan and its capital in the future as a major international, exhibition, information and presentation platform.

A major new impetus to the development will also receive a small and medium business capital and surrounding regions. First of all it is the sphere of public service, the hotel business and domestic travel.

- Thank you for the interview!