Kyrgyzstan is set to establish a national exhibition complex called EXPO, which is expected to strengthen the country's position on the international stage. President Sadyr Japarov has signed a decree to create it, according to infohub.kz.
The project, named EXPO Kyrgyzstan, is defined as a strategic state task. The site is planned to be located in Bishkek and the Chuy region.
According to the authorities, the new complex should boost the country's investment, export, and exhibition-congress potential, as well as attract foreign investment and expand international economic cooperation.
To implement the project, the Cabinet of Ministers has been tasked with creating an interagency expert working group to coordinate the work of state bodies. However, specific construction timelines, the area of the complex, cost, and format of future exhibition venues are not specified in the decree.
The emergence of the new complex could intensify competition between Bishkek and Almaty for hosting international exhibitions and business events. In Almaty, major exhibitions and forums are usually held at the Atakent Exhibition Center.
Earlier, it was reported that the long-awaited reconstruction of the Almaty center should begin, which has been discussed since at least 2018.