<Czech>Česko začalo stavět pavilon pro výstavu Expo 2015 v Miláně</Czech><English>Czech Republic has started building a pavilion for the Expo 2015 exhibition in Milan</English>

Prague - Czech Republic has begun construction of its pavilion for the World Expo 2015 in Milan. The first modules of the future pavilion have arrived in the Italian city, which is expected to be completed in the fall. This was reported by the office of the Chief Commissioner of the Czech participation at Expo.
    "After completing the first stage of preparing the construction of the pavilion, which involved drawing documentation and securing a building permit, we have commenced the second specific stage - the production and construction of the pavilion itself," stated Martin Hart from Koma Modular, the company building the pavilion.
    According to him, there are the first five modules in Italy that will form the ground floor of the pavilion and provide a kitchen for the exhibition. The pavilion is designed by the architectural studio Chybík&Kryštof. According to a previous announcement from Koma, the entire structure should be completed during September and October.
    At the beginning of next year, the installation of exhibitions showcasing the Czech Republic, its regions, and Czech successes in the field of science and modern technology is expected to begin. The Milan Expo will open its gates on May 1, 2015, and will last for six months. Its main theme will be Food for the Planet, Energy for Life.
    The Czech pavilion will be located right at the main entrance to the exhibition area near the EXPOcentre building, through which, according to the organizers, two-thirds of the expected 20 million visitors should pass. According to the organizers of the Czech participation, its advantage will also be that it will be surrounded by water on two sides, giving it the appearance of rising from the water's surface from the visitors' perspective.
    The budget for the Czech participation at Expo 2015 is set by the government to range from 180 to 260 million crowns. Jiří F. Potužník, the Chief Commissioner of Czech participation, informed ČTK at the beginning of July that he has already secured the minimum amount. The state will contribute 60 million from the budget of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and 70 million will come from reserves after the last Expo in Shanghai in 2010. The rest has been obtained by the Chief Commissioner from private or public entities. Potužník believes that by the start of the exhibition, he will have around 200 million crowns available.