Programme

Integration vs. Protectionism: The Role of Development Institutions in the Creation of a Common Economic Space in Greater Eurasia

07 Jun , 10:00–11:15
The Global Economy in Search of a Balance
Pavilion F, conference hall F3
In partnership with the State Development Corporation "VEB.RF"

The world is currently facing a turning point, the likes of which it hasn’t seen in decades. A unipolar global mindset is being replaced by a multipolar world led by Asian and Eurasian economies, demonstrating both diversity and justice of the new world order. Russia maintains the possibility of a fruitful partnership with the European Union. Moreover, by deciding to involve the EAEU in China’s One Belt, One Road initiative, Russia is proposing a large-scale Eurasian partnership, thus proving its mindset of a modern superpower. Eurasian and Asia-Pacific countries are becoming increasingly interdependent in their socioeconomic development. As a result, integration processes are gaining momentum in various formats, despite hurdles such as trade conflicts, relapses into unilateralism and protectionism, political differences, attempts to fragment the economic space, and sanctions rhetoric. The globalization projects that have gained ground over the past few decades are now faltering under increasing protectionism, which is often masked as solidarity between Euro-Atlantic partners, each of whom are pursuing their own separate economic goals. Can the national and multilateral development institutions of Greater Eurasia break down the walls of economic isolation and help form a common space for harmonious growth on a continental scale? What is their role in harmonizing and implementing various integration projects? What infrastructure, industrial, and trade projects require the expertise and resources of Eurasian and Asia-Pacific development institutions? What foreign and multilateral development institutional experience can be used in implementing Russian national projects?

Moderator
Fyodor Lukyanov, Research Director, Foundation for Development and Support of the Valdai Discussion Club; Chief Editor, Russia in Global Affairs Journal

Panellists
Kundapur Vaman Kamath, President, New Development Bank
Tadashi Maeda, Governor, Japan Bank for International Cooperation
Maxim Oreshkin, Minister of Economic Development of the Russian Federation
Tigran Sargsyan, Chairman of the Board, Eurasian Economic Commission
Andreas Schaal, Director of Global Relations Secretariat, Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD)
Igor Shuvalov, Chairman, State Development Corporation "VEB.RF"

Front row participants
Andrey Belyaninov, Chairman of the Management Board, Eurasian Development Bank (EDB)
Andrey Zhishkevich, Chairman of the Management Board, Development Bank of the Republic of Belarus
Denis Ivanov, Chairman of the Management Board, International Bank for Economic Co-Operation
Azizbek Omorkulov, Chairman of the Board, RSK Bank
Dmitry Pankin, President, Chief Executive Officer, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Black Sea Trade and Development Bank
Abay Sarkulov, Chairman of the Management Board, Development Bank of Kazakhstan

Broadcast