Kazakhstan: Italian Pavilion opened at Astana EXPO 2017

Astana - The Italian pavilion was officially launched on 10 June with the ceremony attended by the Italian Ambassador to Kazakhstan Stefan Ravagnan and Son Pascal, famous Italian-Kazakh singer. Ravagnan noted his country invested its money, time and efforts to make sure that the guests of the Italian Pavilion would see Italy from different perspectives. The pavilion would give the visitors an insight into its history and technological achievements and serve as a platform for establishing new exciting business and people-to-people contacts. All contacts established at the Italian Pavilion at EXPO-2017 would facilitate Kazakh-Italian economic and cultural cooperation.

The Italian Pavilion includes various sections on famous Italian engineers and scientists such as Alessandro Volta, Da Vince and Fermi. Through audio-visual screens, there are presentations about sustainable energy and science. Numerous international and local visitors paid attention to the Italian pavilion. More than 16 Italian regions will display its delicacies and traditions during the EXPO-2017. Kazakhstani students studying at Italian fashion schools will also be a huge part of the pavilion, its Fashion for Future section in particular. They will share their ideas and projects on how recycled materials can be used in fashion industry. Son Pascal noted that the Kazakh pavilion in Milano EXPO was one of the best and he expected Italian pavilion to be great at Astana EXPO. "I made a show in Italy about Kazakhstan called Pascalistan. A lot of Italians know about Kazakhstan through my program. Yes, a lot of Italians will come to EXPO and they contact me to ask about Kazakhstan", Son Pascal said. He noted that he would give some performances during the EXPO.

"I am certain of the continuity with the themes of Milan Expo 2015 and Expo 2017" said the Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Benedetto Della Vedova. The dignitary spoke from the Kazakh capital city, where he is at the official opening of the exhibition that focuses on the theme of "Energy of the Future" and on sustainability issues. "I hope that in the future it will be possible to peacefully integrate the European Union to the Euroasian Union from an economic standpoint," said the Undersecretary during a conversation with Agi on the eve of the Expo's opening ceremony. "The climate for business in the country has improved and will enable more Italian investors to start businesses in the country," added Mr Della Vedova. "Italy enjoys very good economic relations with China, which is helping the country to take steps forward and differentiate its economy. This will be an advantage for everyone." Italian companies, explained the dignitary, might have the advantage of accessing the huge Chinese market via Kazakhstan, making the most of the opportunities given. The Italian pavilion is one of the largest in the Kazakh exhibition. Its aim is to bring visitors across a path that will navigate them through energy and the technological inventions related to it. The aim of the Italian participation in the event, said Mr Della Vedova, is to "support our enterprises to consolidate or open major prospects for development in a strategically important area." The exhibition, designed by Italian architects Paolo Desideri and Stanislao Cantono di Ceva, extends across 900 square metres. The facilities will guide visitors across history and the evolution of energy in Italy, from the post-war period to the most recent technologies to reduce CO2 emissions, increase energy efficiency and promote alternative energy sources.