International Bureau of Exhibitions Secretary General Discusses Upcoming Expo in Belgrade
Dimitri Kerkézès emphasizes the Expo's national significance and broad regional impact amidst political discourse.
Dimitri Kerkézès, the Secretary General of the International Bureau of Exhibitions (BIE), has stated that the upcoming Expo in Serbia, set to take place in Belgrade, represents not just a single initiative but a project of national importance.
During an appearance on a national television program, Kerkézès underlined that the Expo is not intended for any particular individual, political group, or party, but rather serves as a platform for the entire nation and the region.
Kerkézès expressed his belief that despite the political tensions in the country, the Expo is positioned to symbolize a progressive future for Serbia and its neighboring areas.
He clarified that while the event will be hosted in Belgrade, its implications and reach should extend throughout the entire country and ideally across the region.
As of now, approximately 100 countries have confirmed their participation in the Expo, which is a significant milestone achieved within just seven to eight months following the official announcement of the event.
When questioned about the potential for cancellation due to political instability, Kerkézès dismissed such concerns, stating there is no perceived risk of the event being called off.
He noted that the BIE would only consider retracting recognition if faced with critical issues concerning the Expo, which he affirmed are not present at this time.
Regarding financial aspects, Kerkézès outlined the projected costs for the Expo, estimating between 1.2 to 1.3 billion euros.
This budget includes expenditures for infrastructure developments such as railways, roads, and highways that are essential for supporting the Expo.
Kerkézès conveyed confidence that the event would at least break even financially, asserting that there should not be concerns on that front.
He emphasized that he has never been presented with, nor has he seen any evidence of the Serbian Government proposing a budget totaling 18 billion euros for the Expo.
His remarks highlighted that the figures submitted to the Executive Committee and the General Assembly have consistently been within the 1 to 1.3 billion euro range, which he considers appropriate and justifiable.
Kerkézès stated that the BIE would not accept any investment claims exceeding this budget as part of the Expo, as it does not pertain directly to the event.
He expressed hope that any additional funding is part of broader national development initiatives, noting that the construction of a stadium is not directly linked to the Expo itself.
During an appearance on a national television program, Kerkézès underlined that the Expo is not intended for any particular individual, political group, or party, but rather serves as a platform for the entire nation and the region.
Kerkézès expressed his belief that despite the political tensions in the country, the Expo is positioned to symbolize a progressive future for Serbia and its neighboring areas.
He clarified that while the event will be hosted in Belgrade, its implications and reach should extend throughout the entire country and ideally across the region.
As of now, approximately 100 countries have confirmed their participation in the Expo, which is a significant milestone achieved within just seven to eight months following the official announcement of the event.
When questioned about the potential for cancellation due to political instability, Kerkézès dismissed such concerns, stating there is no perceived risk of the event being called off.
He noted that the BIE would only consider retracting recognition if faced with critical issues concerning the Expo, which he affirmed are not present at this time.
Regarding financial aspects, Kerkézès outlined the projected costs for the Expo, estimating between 1.2 to 1.3 billion euros.
This budget includes expenditures for infrastructure developments such as railways, roads, and highways that are essential for supporting the Expo.
Kerkézès conveyed confidence that the event would at least break even financially, asserting that there should not be concerns on that front.
He emphasized that he has never been presented with, nor has he seen any evidence of the Serbian Government proposing a budget totaling 18 billion euros for the Expo.
His remarks highlighted that the figures submitted to the Executive Committee and the General Assembly have consistently been within the 1 to 1.3 billion euro range, which he considers appropriate and justifiable.
Kerkézès stated that the BIE would not accept any investment claims exceeding this budget as part of the Expo, as it does not pertain directly to the event.
He expressed hope that any additional funding is part of broader national development initiatives, noting that the construction of a stadium is not directly linked to the Expo itself.
AI Disclaimer: An advanced artificial intelligence (AI) system generated the content of this page on its own. This innovative technology conducts extensive research from a variety of reliable sources, performs rigorous fact-checking and verification, cleans up and balances biased or manipulated content, and presents a minimal factual summary that is just enough yet essential for you to function as an informed and educated citizen. Please keep in mind, however, that this system is an evolving technology, and as a result, the article may contain accidental inaccuracies or errors. We urge you to help us improve our site by reporting any inaccuracies you find using the "Contact Us" link at the bottom of this page. Your helpful feedback helps us improve our system and deliver more precise content. When you find an article of interest here, please look for the full and extensive coverage of this topic in traditional news sources, as they are written by professional journalists that we try to support, not replace. We appreciate your understanding and assistance.