Opening the meeting, Nursultan Nazarbayev stressed EXPO-2017 has become a national project intended to provide new impetus to the domestic economy and the development of new technologies. The President noted the construction of the exhibition facilities is conducted in full compliance with the schedule.
Only a year and a half remains until the event. All the construction works must be completed by the autumn next year. Despite the difficult economic situation, we are allocating all the necessary funds to prepare for the event. We attracted companies that have extensive experience of work in Kazakhstan. We carefully studied the way the exhibition in Milan was organised. Therefore today there are no unresolved issues in Expo,” he said.
The Head of State also emphasized that all finishing works at the EXPO sites should be carried out with maximum use of domestic products in order to optimize costs. This issue was put under special control.
Nursultan Nazarbayev said it is of utmost importance that the exhibition’s substantive content fully conforms to its core theme.
I mentioned EXPO-2017 in all my conversations with leaders of other countries and heads of large companies during various international forums and visits abroad. All of them showed great attention and interest, saying they are ready to take part in it,” he said.
In this regard, Nursultan Nazarbayev highlighted the intensification of the appropriate activities, saying it is necessary to continue working in this direction.
The capabilities of national and multinational companies are not being used to the full. However they should take part in the exhibition, as it is a national-level event. We should engage all subsoil users in this matter. As of today, only two memoranda on cooperation and one sponsorship agreement have been signed, while there are 39 participants holding subsoil exploration licenses. This is not enough,” he said.
The President emphasized that while working with large mining companies the organisers of EXPO should use the authority of the latter to attract the world’s biggest technology companies like Siemens, Samsung, Toyota and others.
All the subsoil users have well-established contacts with the companies to whom they pay large sums of money to purchase equipment and technologies. We should make full use of these contacts. It is advisable that every subsoil user would conclude an agreement with global brand company so that it could present its innovation technologies at EXPO-2017. First Deputy Prime Minister Bakhytzhan Sagintayev, as a person in charge of EXPO in the Government, shall deal with these issues,” he added.
The Head of State stressed it is first of all necessary to involve the leading countries in the field of alternative technologies.
It is important to attract as many participants as possible. But it is much more important to involve the leading countries in the sphere of new technologies. This issue should be under special control of the Government and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,” he said.
Nursultan Nazarbayev noted the importance of presenting Kazakh culture, history and customs at EXPO.
It is necessary to engage Kazakh artists in the event. Cultural and entertainment events should take place not only within the exhibition area, but throughout the city. Museums and theaters should be ready to receive guests at the highest level. The schedule of cultural events has not yet been agreed. All government agencies should coordinate their activities in this field, I instruct the Government to accelerate this work,” he said.
The President pointed to the significance of ensuring security during the preparation and holding of the exhibition.
It is necessary to take preventive measures to avoid any incidents during the event. Our special services and law enforcement agencies need to ensure security and the rule of law. The Interior Ministry, National Security Committee, along with Syrbar should continue taking concerted efforts in this area, the safety of the capital and the exhibition itself depends on these bodies. I task the Security Council to supervise the isse,” he stressed.
The Head of State stressed the need to create favourable conditions for participants and guests of the exhibition, as well as to make a schedule of visits.
The President also said it is necessary to carefully study other areas, including training of volunteers, and ensuring wide access to citizens of Kazakhstan.
Nursultan Nazarbayev instructed the Government to coordinate all issues at the appropriate level, and to report regularly on the performed activities.
Closing the meeting, the President once again stressed that the upcoming exhibition is an important event for all Kazakhstanis.
Today the world is witnessing serious crisis, which affects our country as well. Despite the crisis, Kazakhstan continues preparing for the international exhibition introducing new facilities as part of an industrial policy and creating new jobs. This shows the dynamics and possibilities of our economy,” he maintained.
Among the keynote speakers at the meeting were Chairman of the Board of JSC National Company Astana EXPO-2017Akhmetzhan Yessimov, Minister of Energy Vladimir Shkolnik, Minister of Foreign Affairs Erlan Idrissov, Minister of Investment and Development Asset Issekeshev, Minister of Culture and Sports Arystanbek Mukhamediuly, akim of Astana Adilbek Dzhaksybekov, as well as heads of construction companies.
