The coordinator of the preparations for possible participation in the Expo is Potužník

Prague - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has chosen a coordinator for the preparation of a possible Czech participation in the World Expo 2015 in Milan through a selection process; the position has been filled by Jiří Potužník, the former spokesman for the Czech participation at the previous exhibition in Shanghai. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated this in response to a query from ČTK today. Five individuals registered for the competition on the vision of Czech participation. The government has not yet decided whether the Czech Republic will participate in the World Expo in Italy.
     Potužník told ČTK that his material anticipates significant involvement of the private sector both in construction and in the actual exposition. This should reduce costs from the state budget. He mentioned that in his vision, he proposed to build the pavilion with regard to its owner, who should be a co-investor in the Czech presentation and should also obtain the pavilion after the exhibition concludes.
     "Czech participation in the World Expo 2015 is in the stage of preparation. A final decision on participation has not yet been made," the ministry stated.
The cabinet is expected to decide by the turn of October and November not only on participation but also to evaluate Potužník’s proposal for the concept of participation that he is developing. It should also appoint a general commissioner for the Czech participation. According to unofficial information, this person may or may not be the coordinator. There should also be more clarity regarding the funding of the possible participation after the government's decision.
     Potužník, who previously worked as a reporter for Czech Television and as a spokesman in the earlier government of Mirek Topolánek, has progressed to the second round of the selection process alongside former general commissioner Pavel Stehlík.
     The main theme of Expo 2015 is the slogan "Feed the Planet, Energy for Life". However, the Czech Republic has not yet confirmed its presence at the exhibition in Italy. So far, 100 countries have already promised to participate. In the Czech Republic, the procedure is delayed, which may complicate the future preparations for the construction of the pavilion.