On January 28, Mr. Talgat Yermegiyaev, the Chairman of the Board of JSC “NC “Astana EXPO-2017” received the Norwegian delegation from the Kingdom of Norway, headed by H.E Ole Bjornoy, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Norway of the Republic of Kazakhstan.  The delegation included representatives of the Norwegian Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries headed by Mr. Jan Farberg, Chief of Department. 

Norwegian Ambassador expressed his appreciation to the positive dynamics in development of Kazakh-Norway relations. There were five visits at the ministerial level to both countries, including the visit of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Mr. Yerlan Idrissov.  In his turn, Mr. Farberg told about the work carried by his Ministry in terms of developing free trade between Kazakhstan and Norway. Also, head of the Norwegian Ministry talked about their cooperation with Bureau of International Exhibitions.

Mr. Yermegiyayev informed guests about the current work done by the National Company and also told about the design idea of Chicago Adrian Smith+Gordon Gill Architecture (AS+GG) which has been chosen as a winner of the international architectural competition for best design idea for EXPO-2017 in Astana. Chairman paid special attention to the post-use matter. According to the international experience of the EXPOs worldwide EXPO 2017 site will be used as venue for hosting international events, like conferences, exhibitions, forums and etc.

Representatives of the National Company informed the delegation about the privileges and special preferences provided to the members of Special free economic zones, since according to recently passed EXPO Law the territory of exhibition in 2017 considered as one of these zones. Moreover, in 2015 Kazakhstan is planning to sign the See Agreement with BIE, which will regulate all the matters of taxation, migration, customs, issuance of work permits and etc.

Norwegian delegation presented their country as one of the biggest oil exporters in the world, that has rich experience in usage of alternative sources of energy and has a great potential in wind and hydro energy.

In conclusion, the Chairman noted the value of Norwegian experience in the field of new technologies, as the main goal of the EXPO is to demonstrate the innovations and technological development, therefore, future cooperation with Norway in this field considered to be very promising.