Russia files bid to host EXPO 2020 fair in Yekaterinburg
MOSCOW. Dec 4 (Interfax) - Russia's official bidding ceremony for the right to host the EXPO international fair in Yekaterinburg in 2020 has been held at the Bureau of International Expositions headquarters in Paris.
The bid was accepted by BIE Secretary General Vincente Gonzalez Loscertales, the Russian Bidding Committee's press service has reported.
Deputy Prime Minister Arkady Dvorkovich, who chairs the EXPO-2020 Organizing Committee, congratulated the bidding committee and confirmed that the obligations to be assumed will be fulfilled on schedule.
"This bid is of priority importance for Russia. Due to a unique combination of an eventful history, and an intensive business, cultural and scientific life, Yekaterinburg has become a symbol of a new and open Russia, which can accord a due welcome to this important international event," Dvorkovich was citied as saying.
Bidding Committee General Director Erik Bugulov said the bid had been in the making all through 2012 in conjunction with the federal, regional and local governments, public organizations and businessmen.
"Russia can guarantee a top-level reception and we now have to convince the BIE's inspection commission that it is really so. It will arrive in the first quarter of 2013 and assess the city's capabilities," Bugulov said.
