St. Petersburg International Economic Forum Anniversary Session in Pskov
On 21 August 2018 in Pskov, the Roscongress Foundation jointly with the Russian Export Centre (REC) and the Agency for Strategic Initiatives (ASI) organized the 15th anniversary session of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum called ‘Regions of Russia: New Points of Growth. Investments in the Real Sector’.
The plenary session was attended by: Acting Governor of Pskov Region Mikhail Vedernikov, Director of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum Alexey Valkov, Corporate Director of the Agency for Strategic Initiatives Elena Myakotnikova, Director for Interregional Communications of the Russian Export Centre Dmitry Makeev, Director of the Analytic Centre for the CIS at EY Alexei Rybnikov, Minister of Economy and Trade of the Republic of Kalmykia Zoya Sandzhieva, General Director of the Development Corporation of the Republic of Karelia Yuriy Saveliev.
The focus of the plenary session was on the state support of regional business. Experts exchanged views on global trends in manufacturing and voiced their personal stance on attracting investment to the real sector of the economy.
“The SPIEF regional session holds particular significance for Pskov Region. Firstly, it is another chance to present our investment and other specific advantages to a wide audience, to expand our circle of investors, and to show them that there are benefits to be had from operating in our region. Secondly, it’s a fantastic platform for our entrepreneurs to establish business ties and partnerships, and to learn about the current business support tools offered by development institutes and infrastructure organizations. Here, they can find out about new opportunities for growing and developing their businesses, and talk directly to leading experts”, said Mikhail Vedernikov, Acting Governor of Pskov Region.
The session ‘Localization as a Means to Create a Cluster Economy’ continued the business programme of the event. Participants presented mechanisms for co-financing investment projects through existing state programs, and also discussed the impact of cluster initiatives on the competitiveness of the economy.
The event concluded with a briefing session of the Russian Export Centre. Business representatives learned about a variety of opportunities provided by this development institution: information, analytical and consulting support; improvement of exhibition and trade show operations; organization of business agencies of Russian exporters to foreign countries. Director for Interregional Communications of the Russian Export Centre Dmitry Makeev emphasized “The Russian Export Center is supporting the expansion of export opportunities for regional businesses. We are strengthening our regional infrastructure in order to provide quality services, and we are holding a series of practical sessions in the regions entitled ‘The Regional Track: Made in Russia’. In addition, our ‘Made in Russia’ programme includes a wide range of marketing tools. We invite our colleagues to work with us. We find a tailored solution for each export scenario.”
Summing up, Director of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum Alexey Valkov noted the importance of SPIEF regional sessions: “Regional SPIEF sessions have become exciting events in the economic life of Russia’s regions. Business communities have learned more about state support measures available to entrepreneurs, sources of investment, and solutions that can help to identify foreign sales markets. We are proud to be able to help business to grow in the regions. Much work still lies ahead of us, however, and we need to find growth areas within the country that can provide a foundation for sustainable economic development.”
The St. Petersburg International Economic Forum will take place in St. Petersburg on 6–8 June 2019.
