Helsinki, Finland — Between June 10 and September 10, 2017, Finland will take part in EXPO 2017 Astana held in the capital city of Kazakhstan. This world fair will be an exhibition of future energy solutions.
Minister of Economic Affairs Olli Rehn and Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Lenita Toivakka described the decision to participate in the fair as a strong expression of support for Finnish energy sector companies and energy efficiency. The Astana world’s fair is held in the 100th anniversary year of Finland’s independence, and participation in it is seen as something that will help reinforce the positive image of the country in Central Asia.
– Organizers point out that Finland is one of the world’s leading countries in energy sector expertise, energy efficiency and cleantech, and state that this expertise will be showcased in the Finnish pavilion at Astana EXPO. “The participation will be organised as cost-effectively as possible. Many Finnish energy companies are already operating in Kazakhstan, and we hope to also draw the interest of new businesses to the Central Asian market,” says Minister Rehn.
– Finland’s participation at the world fair is considered to be an important further step that continues the work to promote Finnish exports in Kazakhstan through Team Finland activities and otherwise. The energy, cleantech and education sectors are seen as rapidly increasing areas of cooperation that, however, still offer plenty of untapped potential, with Kazakhstan and its neighboring areas offering Finnish companies new, emerging markets. A possibility of starting direct flights to Astana would help companies and authorities keep in contact with Kazakhstan and other parts of Central Asia, and also encourage tourism between the two countries, noted Minister Toivakka.
The decision on Finland’s participation in EXPO 2017 Astana world fair was made at a government plenary session on 26 May 2016.