International forum eyes S Kazakhstan's role in upcoming EXPO-2017

The international investment forum on green economy gathered nearly 300 participants, including reps of ministries, financial institutes, large foreign and domestic companies in Shymkent. "The Head of State gave a specific instruction to attract domestic business into development of the EXPO-2017 pavilion in Astana. We've already inked memorandums on cooperation with three regions, namely North Kazakhstan, Kyzylorda and Karaganda," managing director of National Company ‘EXPO-2017' JSC Saltanat Rakhimbekova said, addressing the forum. Thanks to the forum, hundreds of businessmen and entrepreneurs have a chance to establish constructive dialogue. "Being one of the country's leaders in development of renewable energy resources, South Kazakhstan region is the right place to host the forum. Scientific achievements should be actively used by businesses. Energy efficiency is one of the tools to up the ante and make Kazakhstan more competitive," Ms Rakhimbekova added. According to officials, principles of energy conservation will be applied in construction processes across South Kazakhstan region in the future. "We are planning to introduce the principles of ‘green economy' at local hotels. Hopefully, it will attract more tourists," deputy governor of the region Saparbek Tuyakbayev said. Given the robust development of construction materials sector in South Kazakhstan region, the province will supply the materials for construction of the EXPO-2017 facilities in Astana. Apart from that the region boasts great prospects in terms of tourism development and surely has a lot to offer to guests from abroad. It is internationally renowned for such sights of attraction as Turkestan and Saryagash. Besides, four tourist zones are to be opened in the region in the nearest future. "Development of tourism industry is one of the significant trends of the upcoming EXPO event. We need world-class hotels, good road infrastructure, historical objects and etc. Participation of business is paramount importance in this respect," Saltanat Rakhimbekova added. In order to develop tourism sector and attract tourist operators, National Company ‘EXPO-2017' JSC will announce a competition for the best tourist route development in December.