Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan and the venue for the upcoming international exhibition EXPO-2017, held a third meeting of expo participants from Feb. 22 to 23.

The First Vice Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Askar Mamin, the Secretary General of the Bureau of International Expositions, Vicente Loscertales, the Chairman of the Board, Akhmetzhan Yessimov, and the Commissioner of the Exhibition, Rapil Zhoshybayev, attended the meeting and delivered speeches.

Wang Jinzhen, deputy director of the China Pavilion organizing committee and vice-chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, was also present at the meeting together with another 200 representatives from nearly 150 participants.

The attendees were informed of the architecture and construction of EXPO-2017, its operation, international exhibitions, activities, market development and promotion. According to the speakers, preparations for EXPO-2017 are going smoothly. Most of the buildings are largely completed with internal finishing underway.

Currently, there are 115 countries and 18 international organizations confirmed as attending EXPO-2017. To better serve the expo, Astana has upgraded the city's transportation system, hotels and various service facilities, newly constructed two hotels, and opened over 100 transportation routes.

Kazakhstan praised China's active participation in EXPO-2017. China was one of the earliest confirmed exhibitors, and the first to design its exhibition hall and start construction. Throughout, China has been a great supporter of Kazakhstan.

Participating countries generally expressed interest in China’s contribution to EXPO-2017, with Britain, Russia and other countries saying they hope to carry out exchange and cooperation in economic, trade and local activities. The Kazakhstan media were also interested in China’s plans, interviewing Wang Jinzhen during the meeting.

The gathering was also a good opportunity for Wang Jinzhen to invite all present to the 2019 Beijing International Horticultural Exhibition. So far, delegates from Malaysia, Lithuania, Angola and other countries have said they will seek early confirmation from their governments that they will be taking part.