M’sia expects RM1 bln from Astana EXPO – Max

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia’s participation in the Astana EXPO 2017, to be held from June 10 to Sept 10 in Kazakhstan, is expected to generate RM1.0 billion in trade and investments, said Energy, Green Technology and Water Minister Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili.

He said Malaysia would be ready to showcase its best practices, innovations, solutions, technologies and strengths in green energy to the world via the Malaysia Pavilion, themed, “Powering Green Growth”.

“We will be showcasing our best at the expo to make our nation proud. Our delegation is backed by a nation that has plans for a green future, a plan which is working and we will continue to deliver the plan,” he told a press conference on the status update on Astana EXPO 2017 here yesterday.

Themed, “Energy of the Future”, the international specialised exhibition aimed to inspire global debate between countries, nongovernmental organisations, companies and the public regarding the decisive impact that energy management has on the lives of people and that of the planet.

“We have an unprecedented opportunity over the next four months to prove to the world that green growth is in our nature, and that the best way to create a green future is in Malaysia,” said Ongkili.

Around 100 business players from the public and private sectors would explore business opportunities during the business matching sessions at the Malaysia Pavilion, which would also include pocket talks highlighting Malaysia’s strength in various fields of energy, green technology and the economy.

Ongkili said Malaysia aimed to promote cooperation and trade in green energy with Kazakhstan and other participating countries during the expo. Currently, bilateral trade and investment between Malaysia and Kazakhstan was less than RM100 million.