List of Russian participants for EXPO-2005 finalized

The list of Russian participants in the international exposition EXPO-2005, to be held from March to September in the Japanese city of Nagoya, has been finalized. As reported by a Rosbalt correspondent, the announcement was made Tuesday by the general director of the Russian exposition, Igor Mitrofanov.

According to Mitrofanov, the prepared exhibits have to be sent to Japan as early as November of this year. 'The central part of our exhibit has already been worked out, the main participants confirmed, although changes can still be made to the list,' he said.

It is planned that Russia will send five exhibition groups to the international expo. The total area of the Russian exhibit will be around 1,300 square meters. 'We will exhibit a hydrogen motor, 'stringed' transport, an interactive map of Russian forests and a model of Lake Baikal,' Mitrofanov said. In addition, a 'noosphere dome' will be sent to the exposition which will become the central exhibit in the Russian concourse, as well as a cast of the famous mammoth Dima.

According to the director of the Russian pavilion at EXPO-2005, Viacheslav Melnik, 'basically, the public will be presented with models and facsimiles of inventions.' He likewise said that all those who wish to do so can see a model of a 'device for the study of the sea bed,' as well as a unique model of a passenger space ship.

Members of the organizing committee have also announced that a special Internet site is being prepared ahead of the exposition's opening that will be devoted to the Russian pavilion. A search for sponsors and partners is also underway, and proposals from tour operators have been coming in regarding the organization of trips to the exhibition. The organizing committee has announced that advertising of the exposition will be widely carried out, and teleconferencing links between Japan and Russia have not been ruled out.