05 July 2002 00:00
CONCERNING HOLDING WORLD'S FAIR IN 2010
"Russia not only wishes to hold EXPO 2010, but we have all the necessary economic, political and organizational resources for this," Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov said as he spoke in Paris at the presentation of Moscow as the site for the World's Fair in 2010.
On behalf of the Russian Government Kasyanov guaranteed that "the organization of EXPO 2010 will be in full compliance with the requirements of the Bureau of International Expositions and the Paris Convention of 1928." The fair, he said, will show the international community the results of economic and democratic reforms in Russia, and its multinational culture, history and traditions.
The Prime Minister stressed that during the 2010 fair in Moscow Russia will provide the most favorable customs and visa regime for participants and guests. He noted that Russia is planning to organize EXPO 2010 from May 1 to October 31. "This time appears most suitable: a warm spring, a mild summer and an Indian summer," said Kasyanov.
He said also that the Government of Russia is planning to appoint a special representative who will exercise day-to-day control over the fulfillment of all the fair-related obligations of the country.
At a press conference held at the end of the 131st General Assembly of the Bureau of International Expositions (BIE), Yuri Luzhkov, Mayor of Moscow, who had taken part in the presentation, noted that the total volume of investment necessary for preparations for EXPO 2010 is estimated at 10 billion dollars. Of this sum, approximately 2 billion dollars will be allocated out of the federal budget and the budget of Moscow. The budget funds are to be used for developing the transport and engineering infrastructure, and for the construction of exhibition pavilions, hotels and service facilities it is planned to attract investment resources.
Luzhkov gave an assurance that the organization of EXPO 2010 will meet not only all the requirements of the BIE, but also the highest standards for holding such major international events.
The Moscow mayor noted also that the question of an EXPO 2010 symbol is currently being discussed. It will likely be the 648 meters tall giant tower Rossia that is planned to be built at the Russian capital's Moscow City international business center.
Taking part in the presentation of Moscow as the EXPO 2010 venue was Zhores Alfyorov, Vice President of the Russian Academy of Sciences and a Nobel laureate, and the presentation was conducted by an international beauty contest winner, Miss World Oksana Fyodorova.
The city in which EXPO 2010 is to be held will be named at the next session of the BIE General Assembly in December 2002.
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© Publication of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation.
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