Russia is closely studying proposals from Chinese companies and institutions on the future use of the Russian pavilion at Expo 2010 in Shanghai, a deputy general director of the All-Russia Exhibition Center (VVTs) said Tuesday.

“We have many proposals now that we are considering together with the Industry and Trade Ministry and making up our mind what to do next, as this is a question of economics, politics and even cultural ties,” Nikolai Bugayev, the deputy head of VVTs, the official operator of Russia’s Expo participation, told RIA Novosti.

The 2010 World Expo is held in Shanghai from May 1 to October 31, 2010. Up to 70 million people are expected to visit the city for the event, which has seen investment of up to $4 billion.

Russia constructed a pavilion at the exhibition for the first time in 30 years. The sun-shaped pavilion comprises 12 white-and-gold towers symbolizing the 12 months of the year, and occupies an area of 6,000 square meters. It has already been visited by more than five million people.

It showcases Russia's recent scientific and economic development and offers a diverse cultural program.

Bugayev said he hopes “the right decision is made” after Expo 2010 ends.

He said Russian organizers “received a proposal from the Chinese association for cooperation with European and CIS countries, which is ready to dismount the pavilion and transfer it to Beijing.”

Bugayev said the association intends to turn the Russian pavilion into a Russian cultural and business center.

SHANGHAI, September 7 (RIA Novosti)