Verdict on Expo 2015 is once again postponed, financing is unclear

Prague - The verdict on the Czech participation in Expo 2015 in Milan is once again postponed, as the government will not manage it by the end of the year due to the continued uncertainty regarding the financing of the Czech pavilion. According to the website of the Czech Chamber of Commerce, which comments on materials for the government, a preliminary budget of 350 million crowns has been outlined. The spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Vít Kolář, told ČTK today that discussions are still ongoing regarding the method of financing, the amount itself, and the execution of the event, and the ministry has not yet approved the report to the government.
Kolář stated that Czech diplomacy wants to present a proposal to the cabinet that will also secure financing for the Czech participation in the cultural olympiad of nations. According to information from the Chamber of Commerce, initial estimates discussed an amount of approximately 290 million crowns, which would need to be decided by the government, with the remainder, i.e., 60 million crowns, sourced from the funds of the office of the general commissioner for Expo. This office obtained funds from the sale of the exhibition from Expo 2010 in Shanghai and other activities within the framework of partnership contracts.
The decision on participation, which represents how the country showcases itself at the exhibition, is being delayed. Experience from previous world exhibitions shows that timely preparation contributes to smoother proceedings and often lower costs. The preparation team must also account for deadlines for tenders. "Timely mandate from the government will allow the office of the general commissioner to immediately start negotiations with potential suppliers and project partners not only in the Czech Republic but also in Italy, thus minimizing costs," the material for Expo 2015 states according to the Chamber of Commerce. It has been previously discussed that private companies could also be involved in the Czech exhibition.
As of today, 67 countries have confirmed their participation, according to the website of the organizers. The Czech Republic has yet to respond to the Italian invitation, which arrived at the beginning of this year. The main theme of the exhibition in the industrial center of northern Italy will be "food for the planet, energy for life".
Last year's world exhibition in China cost the Czech state around half a billion. Expo 2005 in Japan cost 300 million crowns.