The general contractor agreement was signed with Etalon's subsidiary, Lenspetsmu JSC, and the company is charged with building the first complex for the future convention centre, including the convention centre and three exhibition pavilions that will be connected with passages, two hotels, two business centres, as well as the necessary infrastructure. The total space to be built equals 200,000 square meters. The project is scheduled to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2013.

The new convention centre will be built on a territory of 56 hectares, located in St. Petersburg's Pushkin District. The project's main idea is to concentrate all the necessary infrastructure for exhibitions and conventions in one location, and to meet the highest international standards.

Natalia Konovalenko, ExpoForum board of directors chairperson, said, ``The main criteria for choosing a general contractor was the company having its own production capacity, as well as experience working with such large complexes and projects. In addition, the convention centre must be built according to the highest international standards and completed on schedule. We are happy to begin work with our partner, Etalon Holding Company. The completion of this project will stimulate the development of St. Petersburg as Russia's centre for conventions and exhibitions.''

Vyacheslav Zarenkov, board of directors chairman at Etalon Holding Company, remarked, ``A contract of this size is an indicator of the constant high quality of our work. We have much experience realising such large and complex projects. We are proud that we are part of this ambitious project that is important for St. Petersburg's future.''