MINSK, 23 March (BelTA) – Participation in World EXPO 2010 Shanghai will help Belarus expand the cooperation with the PRC, enhance the image of the country in the international arena and advance the country’s scientific, economic and culture interests in the world, Belarusian Prime Minister Sergei Sidorsky told a session of the Presidium of the Council of Ministers, which reviewed the preparation of Belarus’ national exposition at World Expo 2010. The theme of World Expo 2010 is Better City, Better Life. It will open on 1 May and last until 31 October 2010. Taking part in the event will be 192 countries and 49 international organizations. Belarus’ organizing committee handling the preparation for World Expo is led by Deputy Prime Minister Viktor Burya. Speaking about the course of preparation for World EXPO 2010, Viktor Burya said that Belarus has invested great effort and funds in the preparation of the national exposition. These investments are justified. “The participation in the exhibition is a unique opportunity to mold a positive image of our country abroad, to showcase the national image of the country and to present Belarus as a rapidly developing state,” he said. “As the global economy is recovering from the crisis we can show that our country is strong enough and can participate in the World Expo just as developed countries,” Viktor Burya said. World Expo provides an opportunity to present Belarus as a competitive and active participant of the global sci-tech progress and to attract additional investments into the country and develop cooperation with the PRC, Viktor Burya added. Belarus will have a separate pavilion of the total area of around 1,000 square meters in one of the most prestigious places of the World Expo. The position of the pavilion has been coordinated with the head of state and approved by the Belarusian government. China’s Exhibit Works of Shanghai has won a tender to construct the Belarusian pavilion. The company started the construction in late January 2010. According to Viktor Burya, the pavilion will be delivered on schedule. A photo-monitoring of the construction of the pavilion is conducted on a weekly basis. The organizing committee holds sessions every week to review of the action plan to prepare the national exposition, discuss emerging problems and look for solutions. The Vice-Premier noted that contracts have been signed to deliver necessary goods and services for the national exposition. The major part of Belarus’ exponents has been prepared to be shipped to the PRC. Now the personnel for the national exposition is being hired. The payments under the contracts are being settled. The concept of the gift shop and VIP room has been developed; the list of the equipment and goods to be showcased has been coordinated. The architectural and planning layout and design of the national exposition have been finalized. The course of the construction of the pavilion and the assembly works are closely monitored; the mockups of the information materials about the Republic of Belarus and tourist booklets about Belarus have been compiled. According to Viktor Burya, the work on developing a multimedia presentation is nearing completion. A program of cultural and related events to be held during the exposition has been drafted. A VIP room at the Belarusian pavilion is designed for receiving high-ranking officials and delegations of the countries - participants of World Expo and to holding talks on bilateral trade and economic cooperation. An increased emphasis is placed on the preparation for the National Day of the Republic of Belarus at World Expo scheduled to take place on 11 October 2010. This is a very good date as the weather in Shanghai is very comfortable this time of year. The celebrations dedicated to the founding of the PRC take place from 1 October to 7 October. On the initiative of the Trade Ministry and the Embassy of Belarus in China, the National Bank of Belarus will issue commemorative coins dedicated to Belarus’ participation in World Expo 2010 Shanghai. The Trade Ministry jointly with the Belarusian Chamber of Commerce and Industry is going to issue special lapel badges and souvenir tokens. They will feature a logo of the Belarusian pavilion and famous architectural sites of Belarus. The order to manufacture these souvenirs will be placed in China to reduce the costs. The work is underway to attract sponsors. Over Br300 million has been transferred by now. Belarus’ Triple company, and also Huawei and ZTE from China have given their prior consent to provide sponsor assistance. БЕЛТА
Written by belta.by
