SPIEF 2022: Key Outcomes



Results of the 25th anniversary of the  St. Petersburg International Economic Forum

Results of the 25th anniversary of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum

The 25th anniversary meeting took place in the face of unprecedented pressure from sanctions, but this did not affect the attention paid by both Russian and foreign companies to this major business event.

For a quarter of a century, the Forum has become a highly coveted international platform for networking, as well as an influential and high-profile global event.

 

"SPIEF is a centre of meaning and information, reflecting a cross-section of the Russian economy’s development and our desire to promote its technological component. SPIEF is a discussion platform where there is a free and uncensored exchange of opinions on all issues on the international agenda, without any diktat," said Anton Kobyakov, Advisor to the President of the Russian Federation and Executive Secretary of the SPIEF Organizing Committee.

 

For four days, world leaders, and heads of major Russian and foreign companies and banks, as well as leading experts from academia, the media, and civil society, discussed the most pressing issues of today's economy.

 

Unfriendly countries took active measures to prevent the business community and officials from attending SPIEF. However, despite this, the Forum was attended by more than 14,000 people from 130 countries, with 81 countries sending official representatives.

President Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation and President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of the Republic of Kazakhstan participated in the SPIEF plenary session. President Xi Jinping of the People's Republic of China and President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi of Egypt addressed the audience via video messages.

The international economic event was attended by more than 130 high-ranking officials. They included vice-presidents and prime ministers of foreign countries, heads of foreign cities and regions, foreign ministers, heads of parliaments, representatives of leading international organizations and associations, as well as heads of the diplomatic corps.

More than 60 representatives of federal executive and legislative bodies attended the Forum.

SPIEF highlighted the Russian Government's highly effective and efficient work in modelling the reality of the new economic environment. At the beginning, there was a public discussion of the country's development programmes in a variety of sectors.

Delegations from all regions of Russia visited the Forum, 80 of which were led by regional heads. These Governors had the opportunity to establish international contacts and exchange experience with other regions of the country. 1,700 business leaders attended the Forum. 

The Forum was covered by 3,500 media representatives from 33 countries: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, China, Egypt, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Donetsk People's Republic, India, Iraq, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Lebanon, Moldova, Netherlands, Pakistan, Qatar, Republic of Belarus, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, Switzerland, Syria, Turkey, UAE, the UK, Uzbekistan, the USA, Venezuela, Vietnam.

 

Plenary session

The centrepiece of the Forum was the traditional plenary session. Russian President Vladimir Putin's speech was devoted to Russia's economy against the backdrop of the difficult geopolitical situation. The country’s head of state emphasized the key principles of state development: "The first principle is openness. Genuinely sovereign states are always interested in equal partnership and in contributing to global development. […] The second principle of our long-term development is a reliance on entrepreneurial freedom. […] A responsible and well-balanced macroeconomic policy is the third guiding principle of our long-term development. […] Social justice is the fourth principle underpinning our development. […] Prioritising the development of infrastructure is the fifth principle underlying Russia’s economic policy. […] The sixth cross-cutting development principle that consolidates our work is achieving genuine technological sovereignty, creating an integral system of economic development that does not depend on foreign institutions when it comes to critically important components."

 

Business programme

The anniversary Forum's business programme was unprecedented in its scale. Over four days, 214 events were held, covering a wide range of political, economic, management, technological development, digitalization, ecological, and social development issues. More than 1,500 moderators, speakers, and Russian and foreign experts delivered their speeches and presentations.

There was practically no sector of the economy that was not discussed in panel discussions.

"The global processes of change taking place in the world are leading to the formation of a fundamentally new multipolar economic model, and this is reflected in the main theme of the jubilee Forum: 'New Opportunities in a New World.' I am convinced that, over these four days, the Forum has once again confirmed its status as a platform for equal and constructive dialogue with all stakeholders," said Anton Kobyakov.

The main business programme of SPIEF 2022 was divided into four thematic areas.

The first theme, "The New Economic Order: Responding to the Challenges of the Time"included discussions which established that the changes in geopolitics and the restructuring of the entire global economy have profound causes, and are not just short-term in nature. The decisions that are currently being taken by the country's leadership regarding Russia's economic recovery take into account that global trade will be different for a long time, if not forever. The government's decisions include remaining interconnected in the SCO, BRICS, and EAEU, while building new models of international cooperation with other countries. The session’s participants noted that a new system of international settlements on both a bilateral and multilateral basis should be created as a matter of priority, and the financial system should allow for the restructuring of the economy amid growing credit risks and learn how to finance innovation.

The second theme of the business programme, "The Russian Economy: New Objectives and Horizons",focused on the agenda for dealing with the current crisis, the investment climate in the regions, and the development of the financial market and key industries. During the discussions, experts noted that the economy is smoothly adapting to the new challenges, macroeconomic stability is being maintained, and all planned social programmes are still being implemented.

The overarching goal is to ensure the economic and technological sovereignty of the Russian Federation. The country has enough resources of its own to continue its development and defy all attempts at economic and political pressure on the country.

Discussions within the theme "Modern Technology for Humanity: Building a Responsible Future",touched on topical issues of information security and digitalization. The key issue of structural reorganization is new technologies because their absence can lead to the degradation of the economy. Without private initiative, there will be no development and no breakthrough. 

Participants in the sessions of the fourth theme, named "Investment in Development as Investment in People", discussed issues related to human capital development. Human-centredness has become one of the main principles of the social sphere. Since 2020, the issue of human-centredness of the social welfare system has come to the fore, along with the government's increased efforts to support various social groups financially. This has become the main basic condition that, in recent years, has enabled the systemic transformation of the social system in the interests of the individual.

Today, there are favourable conditions for running an IT business in Russia. They are far more profitable than anywhere else in the world. The industry is being mobilized and must now show results. A huge niche has opened up and there are huge opportunities for Russian IT specialists to occupy this void. The state is actively supporting and developing this high-tech industry.

 

Guest country

The Arab Republic of Egypt was the guest country of honour at the anniversary edition of the Forum. A busy business programme and dialogue between Russia and Egypt saw discussions on investment cooperation, innovation, and security in the Middle East. The guest country's pavilion was a true highlight of the Forum exhibition.

In the medium term, the most important driver for the development of trade and investment between Moscow and Cairo should be the creation of sustainable logistics corridors from Russia and the EAEU to Egypt, with access to markets in East Africa. This is stated in a special report prepared by the Roscongress Foundation, titled "Russia and Egypt: The Trajectory of Cooperation." 

Next year, the United Arab Emirates will be the guest country. A bilateral agreement was signed during the Forum.

 

International cooperation

The Forum included 6 bilateral business dialogue events with foreign partners from Egypt, China, Africa, Latin America, Turkey, and Iran, as well as meetings with representatives of BRICS, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the Eurasian Economic Union, and ASEAN.

As is tradition at SPIEF, the delegation from Kazakhstan, led this year by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, was very active. Kazakhstan is a member of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and the EAEU Customs Union, which are key economic communities with Russian participation in the post-Soviet space. The Republic's infrastructure is closely linked to Russia's economy. The countries will continue to work on developing partnerships, both bilaterally and within the framework of the Eurasian Economic Union. 

Over the years, SPIEF has been a traditional meeting place for Russian and African businesses and officials.

One of the most high-profile events of the Forum in 2022 was the Russia-Africa Business Dialogue. More than 200 people attended. The strong interest in this discussion demonstrated the unity of purpose of Russia and the African continent in their struggle against the political diktat of the West and the defence of their economic sovereignty. Fourteen speakers, including the Prime Minister of the Central African Republic, ministers from Egypt, Algeria, Zimbabwe, and Mali, and the Chairman of the Commission of the Economic Community of Central African States, presented their vision of the new partnership, alongside Russian government and business leaders.

The level and number of participants in the dialogue demonstrated yet again that the claims of Russia's isolation are absurd, and highlighted that there is great interest in Africa in strengthening its multifaceted ties with Moscow. Unconventional proposals were put forward for the formation of a new structure and mechanisms for the development of Russian-African cooperation. The event was an important step toward the second summit of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum.

During the Forum, particular attention was paid to discussing future projects in the field of Africa’s food and energy security. Also discussed was the development of new forms of financial settlements and cooperation in the field of innovation, as well as technology, health, and education. The Second Russia-Africa Summit and Economic Forum will take place in 2023.

Latin American and Caribbean states that are not party to sanctions against Russia are reliable economic partners for the country. A large number of Latin American states were represented at a high level at SPIEF. Among them include the Executive Vice President of Venezuela, the Deputy Prime Minister of Cuba, the Foreign Minister of Nicaragua, the President of the Central American Parliament, ministers from the economic bloc, and the chairmen of several countries' central banks, as well as representatives of the business community, both in-person and via video link. The Latin American segment of the Forum was dedicated to discussing further ways of cooperation. The region once again demonstrated a keen interest in expanding its cooperation with Russia, even in the face of unprecedented external pressures. 

At the Forum, as part of the Russia-China Business Dialogue, speakers discussed steps to improve trade and economic cooperation between the two countries in detail. They also spoke about the role of central authorities, regional administrations, enterprises, and industry associations, in order to achieve the goal of reaching $200 billion in bilateral trade turnover by 2024, among other issues. As part of developing cooperation, the International Centre for Joint Initiatives (ICJI) Business Lounge was organized at SPIEF 2022.

In the context of the Russian Federation's multi-vector foreign policy, the Asia-Pacific region has an important and growing significance. This is due to Russia's involvement in this dynamically developing region of the world and its interest in implementing programmes for the economic recovery of Siberia and the Far East.

 

Friends for Leadership

This year, as has become a tradition, the Forum was attended by representatives of the Friends for Leadership (FFL) international community. More than 100 young leaders took part in SPIEF discussions. The members of the community came from 42 countries in the CIS, Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Europe, assisted by the New Generation programme of Rossotrudnichestvo, the Department for External Economic and International Relations of Moscow, and the Russian Center for Promotion of International Initiatives. The community also held a series of its own events and meetings together with Rossotrudnichestvo, VOOP, ASI, HSE, and other partners from large Russian companies to discuss and finalize innovative and social projects from the FFL participants' portfolios. 

 

Expert and analytical support for SPIEF 2022

The Roscongress Information and Analytical System continued to develop the Summary service, which provides short analytical summaries of the discussions, including descriptions of conclusions, problems, and solutions voiced during the discussions. More than 200 analytical summaries were issued on the outcomes of SPIEF 2022.

The results of the Forum will be summarized in a report entitled "Outcomes of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum 2022," which will be available online on the event's official website forumspb.com, and the Roscongress Information and Analytical System website roscongress.org.

Quotes from SPIEF 2022 keynote speakers have been prepared, as well as infographic slides containing SPIEF 2022’s key takeaways.

Expert and analytical support for the Forum was provided by some 90 experts, including leading specialists from Russian universities and research organizations, including St. Petersburg State University of Economics, National Research University Higher School of Economics, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, RANEPA North-West Institute of Management, Institute of Regional Economic Problems of RAS, and the Center of Big Data Storage and Analysis Technology at Lomonosov Moscow State University.

In the run-up to the 25th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, the experts of the ROSCONGRESS.COM Information and Analytical System prepared a digest of analytical materials dedicated to the most important and complex studies on the Forum's agenda.

The Roscongress Foundation prepared two studies specifically for the anniversary Forum, named "Russia-Egypt: The Trajectory of Cooperation" and "Russia and Kazakhstan – Drivers of Regional Development."

As part of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, the Roscongress Foundation, the Russian Public Opinion Research Center (VCIOM) and the R&C Exhibition Research Centre conducted a survey of SPIEF 2022 participants. The purpose of the survey was to determine the participants' perception of the Forum's topics.


Exhibition space

As is tradition, the SPIEF Investment & Business Expo exhibition of Russian investment projects was organized at the Forum, alongside exhibitions of the Forum's partners. The total floor space of SPIEF 2022 exceeded 100,000 square metres. Exhibitors displayed their investment potential, ongoing projects, and the latest technologies, products, and solutions.

A significant part of the exposition was devoted to the federal subjects of Russia. Nowadays, in the changed economic reality, Russian regions must act as drivers of the country's development and open up new opportunities.

Each region has its own characteristics and is ready to share its experience to improve the efficiency of project implementation.

The Astrakhan Region, for example, presented a project to create a Caspian cluster that would link Russia to the Middle East, Central Asia, and Greater Asia through a network of waterways and overland routes, not only to develop international transport corridors, but also to develop the region's oil and gas and chemical cluster.

The stand of Yenisey Siberia presented an integrated project that would combine the resource, economic, and infrastructure potential of three regions at once: Krasnoyarsk Territory, and the Republics of Khakassia and Tuva. 

The Kaluga Region's exposition introduced guests to infrastructure, logistics, and digital projects. It presented promising projects and the results of socio-economic development. The main topic of the stand for the Leningrad Region, which is a leading area in the development of decarbonization projects, was the green economy. 

The stand of the Moscow Region presented innovative digital developments and groundbreaking project solutions in the fields of business, ecology, education, and tourism.

The platform of the Republic of Tatarstan demonstrated an unprecedentedly favourable investment climate and a dynamically developing socio-economic infrastructure. This infrastructure allows any pilot projects in the IT sphere to be successfully implemented and scaled up at the federal level. 

According to the results of the National Rating of the Investment Climate in Russia's Regions, maintained by the Agency for Strategic Initiatives, Moscow, Tatarstan, and the Moscow Region are in the top three. The Moscow Region took third place in the rating for the first time, having risen from the seventh position this year. 

According to the current rating, the areas growing the most include the Kurgan Region, which has risen 36 positions, and the Perm and Altai Territories, which have jumped up 26 places. Other improved regions include Ingushetia, which has increased by 24 places, while the Ivanovo Region has risen by 17 positions.

From the first day of the Forum, the joint stand of the All-Russia People's Front and United Russia, named “#WEARETOGETHER with Donbass,” became the centre of meetings between politicians, regional leaders, business representatives, and the leadership of the Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics. Agreements and memoranda on cooperation between the leadership of the Russian regions and the heads of the People's Republics were signed at the stand. The Tula Region, Moscow, St. Petersburg, the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) and other federal subjects will assist in the reconstruction of vital facilities, housing stock, and social infrastructure.

The Ministry of Construction, Housing, and Utilities has signed an agreement on cooperation with the governments of the Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics. They aim to create optimal conditions for the reconstruction of utilities, social and transport infrastructure, and the housing stock of the republics, taking into account their specific situation, special status and conditions. 

At the stand, there was a humanitarian touchscreen, which could be used to send a donation to buy food, household items, children’s kits, and medical kits for a particular town in the Donbass.

 

 

The Arctic agenda

The Arctic agenda was a landmark of the Forum and received a lot of attention. 

As part of the plan for the Russian Chairmanship of the Arctic Council in 2021–2023, the "Arctic: Territory of Dialogue” stand opened for the first time at SPIEF. During the stand's business programme, more than 15 events were held, including Think Arctic project's 'International Cooperation for Sustainable Development in the Arctic.’ It also included the Conference on Telecommunication Development and Digitalization in the Arctic, a seminar on shipbuilding and ship repair in the Arctic, and a series of discussions on 'Creative Industries in the North.'

The sessions discussed issues of regional economic development, ecology, tourism, telecommunications, and creative industries, as well as the development of the Northern Sea Route and human capital in the Arctic, including indigenous peoples of the North. 

Leading experts confirmed that Russia, as the largest Arctic state, will continue to implement the investment projects that are already underway, which will also help to increase cargo traffic along the Northern Sea Route. With European Union sanctions restricting access of Russian vessels to European ports, the international transport corridor may become a serious alternative to other routes. It is a lifeline for supplying the vast territories of the Far North with northern imports, and a critical route for Russian foreign trade with the Pacific Rim countries, China and India. The importance of the Northern Sea Route is also increasing for the development of the world's largest special economic zone.

Agreements

SPIEF has once again confirmed its status as not just a platform for experts and exhibitions, but also as a place where major projects and agreements are negotiated and business contracts are concluded. 

This year, 695 agreements worth a total of 5.67 trillion rubles were signed at SPIEF. This does not include deals where the monetary figure is a commercial secret.

The biggest of these are:

      Russia's New Land Grain Corridor (NLGC), which is building a network of grain elevators in the Urals, Siberia, and the Far East, has signed a trade and investment agreement with China's Zhongchengtong International Investment Company for a total value of about 2 trillion rubles.

      Sberbank and DOM.RF have agreed to issue mortgage bonds worth up to 1 trillion rubles. In a memorandum, the parties expressed mutual interest in issuing mortgage bonds worth up to 1 trillion roubles between 2022 and 2025. In addition, the parties intend to coordinate their efforts to increase liquidity and develop the market for mortgage bonds of DOM.RF. The final terms of the bond issues will be negotiated separately.

      Russian Railways and VTB Bank signed a loan agreement with a limit of up to 630 billion rubles, with a maximum tranche term of up to 5 years.

      St. Petersburg and DOM.RF have signed an agreement for the institution to finance city projects worth 150 billion rubles.

      The Murmansk Region and Norilsk Nickel have signed an agreement worth 140 billion rubles to build a new metallurgical plant in Monchegorsk, in the Murmansk Region; 

      The Nizhny Novgorod Region, DOM.RF and Bank DOM.RF entered into an agreement on cooperation in implementing infrastructure projects worth 131 billion rubles.

 

Results from SPIEF 2022 show that regions leading in the number of agreements concluded were:

      St. Petersburg – over 340 billion rub. (19 agreements) 

      Leningrad Region – over 250 billion rub. (30 agreements)

      Nizhny Novgorod Region – over 240 billion rub. (25 agreements) 

      Krasnodar Territory – over 160 billion rub. (18 agreements)

      Murmansk Region – over 150 billion rub. (10 agreements)

      Republic of Crimea – 103 billion rub. (8 agreements)

      Moscow Region – over 100 billion rub. (30 agreements)

 

Launch day activities and thematic zones

In addition to the main business programme, the Forum also hosted the Russian Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Forum, the International Youth Economic Forum, the B20 Regional Consultation Forum, the Creative Business Forum, the Drug Security Forum, the SPIEF Junior Dialogue, the ‘Arctic: Territory of Dialogue’ Forum, and thematic platforms.

 

SPIEF Junior

For the second time, the SPIEF Junior section took place as part of the Forum. More than 160 teenagers from both Russia (representing more than 50 regions of the country) and foreign countries took part. SPIEF Junior featured twenty events as part of its business programme, including a plenary session entitled "Russia and the World: New Opportunities and Global Challenges through the Eyes of Youth.” It also included meetings with federal ministers and heads of major corporations, and pitch sessions where students presented their projects to experts. More than 50 leading Russian and international specialists took part as speakers in the business programme. More than 2,000 people visited the SPIEF Junior space.

 

Creative Business Forum

The Creative Business Forum, organized by the social platform of the Roscongress Foundation, the Innosocium Foundation, was held on 15 June, the opening day of SPIEF 2022. Its main priority was to systematically support creative industries and unlock their potential to develop the economy, the Arctic, and the social sphere. The Forum's programme included a multi-vector theme with a focus on creative industries, interaction with NPOs, and the social sector. There were over 20 sessions, with 130 speakers and experts, including art managers, designers, publishers, and film producers, as well as representatives of the state and business. More than 300 participants in SPIEF 2022 attended the discussions and debates dedicated to the development of the creative industries in Russia. Broadcasts of the Forum’s sessions were viewed more than 1 million times.

This year's Forum programme was divided into two main blocks: "Transformation in the World and Growth in the Creative Economy" and "Creative Industries of the North."

Sessions in the first section focused on the potential of the creative industries for economic development, highlighting high-potential areas in light of the withdrawal of several international companies from the market and the imposition of economic sanctions against Russia. In the second section, for the first time on the sidelines of SPIEF, events dedicated to the synergy between the interests of creative industries and the Arctic were held, as part of the Russian Chairmanship of the Arctic Council in 20212023. 

 

 

Healthy Life project and the Drug Security Forum

Healthcare has traditionally been one of the key topics at SPIEF. Discussions on the healthcare sector were presented as part of the main business programme, in the Healthy Life Area, and on the margins of the Drug Security Forum. A total of about 30 discussions were organized, and they were attended by over 200 experts and leading representatives of relevant ministries and agencies. 

The Healthy Life Area has traditionally been an important component of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum programme. The business programme sessions in the Healthy Life Area covered a wide range of healthcare industry development issues and became a point of attraction for leading representatives of the medical and scientific community. For the first time, the Health&Beauty zone was organized in the Area. In the zone, leading clinics in the field of preventive medicine demonstrated the latest equipment. This allowed attendees to measure stress, undergo hydrotherapy, test relaxation equipment to relax and normalize the nervous system, as well as take a blood test, which helps to choose an individual nutritional program.

At the Healthy Life Area, an interactive map of social projects launched by Women for a Healthy Society was presented. The Women for a Healthy Society initiative is designed to bring together women who are implementing projects aimed at building a healthy society.

Another highlight on the sidelines of SPIEF was the Drug Security Forum, the main annual business event of the pharmaceutical industry. The event is organized by the Roscongress Foundation with the support of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation and the Subcommittee on the Circulation of Medicinal Products, which is part of the State Duma Committee on Health Protection. The Forum is held annually and is the leading platform for discussing the pharmaceutical industry's business agenda.

 

Innovation Space

Innovation Space, a project of the Roscongress Foundation aimed at supporting and promoting promising domestic developments, start-ups, and technologies, has become a traditional point of attraction for high-tech businesses at SPIEF.

The Innovation Space program, which included 15 sessions, covered a wide range of topical themes, such as smart cities, quantum security, artificial intelligence in education, modern technologies, and content, and increasing confidence in domestic IT. VEB Ventures, the Skolkovo Foundation, the Russian Quantum Center, and the Red Square Media Group were partners in preparing the programme. 

An interesting event was the pitch session "Top Investment Projects of the investinregions.ru Portal", organized by the RC-Investments Fund, the investment platform of the Roscongress Foundation. Forum participants learned about eight projects, ranging from a tour booking platform and a federal glamping network to light helicopter manufacturing and a corporate catering management service. 

Innovation Space hosted Russia's first cybercafé, Dunyasha, with a humanoid robotic cashier. The unusual barista, with the appearance of a supermodel, was able not only to offer coffee but also to hold a conversation, which attracted the attention of the entire Forum. Dunyasha was one of the Forum's top five media personalities in terms of the number of mentions on social media.

 

VinoGrad themed venue 

A highlight of SPIEF was the VinoGrad themed venue, dedicated to winemaking and viticulture. It was organized by the Roscongress Foundation and Rosselkhozbank, which signed a cooperation agreement at the opening ceremony.

Also on 17 June, in the VinoGrad venue, it was announced that the first Russian Wine Forum would be held in autumn 2022, and would be organized by the Union of Winegrowers and Winemakers of Russia and the Roscongress Foundation.

Over the course of SPIEF, 16 events in various formats were held at the VinoGrad venue. This included business sessions and open discussions with industry experts, presentations, and tasting sessions. One event was an evening musical tasting entitled "Wine and Music," accompanied by the St. Petersburg State Academic Capella Ensemble.

 

Business Lounge by ICJI

A new venue in the Roscongress Foundation ecosystem, the International Centre for Joint Initiatives (ICJI), opened on the sidelines of the SPIEF 2022 anniversary Forum. The ceremony was attended by representatives of China, Nigeria, Tanzania, Cote D’Ivoire, and others. Alexander Stuglev, Chairman of the Management Board and Director of the Roscongress Foundation, opened the ceremony. 

The International Centre for Joint Initiatives (ICJI) is a new project of the Roscongress Foundation, which focuses primarily on developing trade and economic relations between Russia and friendly countries. This area opens up new opportunities for foreign business in Russia in the format of a “unified platform."

During the four days of the Forum, the Business Lounge by ICJI hosted events of various formats, including a panel session on Russian-Chinese relations, which saw matchmaking between major Chinese and Russian companies. The guests of the platform were representatives of international companies, including those from China. More than 1,500 people visited the venue and more than 60 speakers from China spoke online. At least 10,000 people in Russia and China attended the online events.

There were five signing ceremonies for cooperation agreements between Russian and Chinese companies engaged in agriculture, logistics, and trade. More than 50 Chinese companies have expressed interest in further cooperation. 

 

Roscongress Club

Over the course of the Forum, the Roscongress Club hosted four events on the evolution of innovation infrastructure, the fashion and music industries, film production in Russia, and female internal migration. Partners in creating the programme were the Moscow Department of Entrepreneurship and Innovative Development, RBC, the Innopraktika Foundation, the Russian Media Group, and the Association of Film and Television Producers.

 

Your SPIEF

For the first time, an unconventional space Your SPIEF opened at the Forum, with a specially equipped photo area, where professional photos could be taken against the symbols of the Forum's anniversary. During the event, 3,800 photos were taken.

There was also a unique service called "Find Yourself!”. With the help of facial recognition technology, over 1,000 people found their photos from previous Forums, dating back to 2010, and were able to download them immediately onto their phones.

Also at the Your SPIEF stand, attendees could buy exclusive merchandise with Forum insignia from the limited edition collection, such as T-shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies, notepads, and commemorative badges.

 

Lead the future

For the first time at SPIEF, the Roscongress Foundation presented its own ecosystem of social, youth, educational, and technological projects. The new "Lead the future" space, built in a futuristic style, became a vibrant arena for demonstrating social initiatives to public organizations and the government sector. 

Among the initiatives presented were the inclusive RC Skills project and the socially-oriented School Friend, which were supported by both regional and federal state agencies. The development of these and other projects will be the Roscongress Foundation's contribution to a prosperous future for society.

 

Cultural programme

The St. Petersburg Seasons cultural festival combined activities oh the SPIEF 2022 cultural programme, which includes more than 40 events. Traditionally, they have been arranged not only for the Forum participants, but also for the residents of St. Petersburg.

One of the most important projects was the Russian Radio Stars concert on Palace Square, which was attended by 35,000 residents and guests of the city. The Manege hosted 1703, St. Petersburg's first art fair.

The Alexandrinsky Theatre hosted a touring performance of the play 12, by the Centre for Theatre and Cinema, under the direction of Nikita Mikhalkov. The Mikhailovsky Theatre hosted a gala concert dedicated to the 350th anniversary of the birth of Peter the Great.

On the final day of the Forum, the Sails of Kronstadt festival was held in Kronstadt, featuring yacht races, a parade of historic sailing ships, and guided tours of boats.

The leading museums of the northern capital and the surrounding region prepared several exhibition projects for the guests of the Forum. This included the Russian Museum, the headquarters of the Russian Geographical Society, and the Institute of Oriental Manuscripts of the Russian Academy of Sciences. 

There were performances by the Saint Petersburg Academic Symphony Orchestra and a concert by soloists of the MusicAeterna symphony orchestra. 

 

SPIEF SPORT WEEK

Sanctions against Russia have affected not only the economy but also Russian sport. International cooperation was one of the main themes of SPIEF Sport Week, which featured 25 events in 16 sports. 

Judokas from seven countries (Serbia, Iran, Mongolia, Belarus, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan) took part in the Anatoly Rakhlin Cup and the Yawara Challenge. 

Interaction with China and the expansion of international cooperation in sport were the topics of the session 'Sport Without Borders: New Scenarios and Formats,' which was initiated by the legendary rhythmic gymnastics coach Irina Viner-Usmanova. In her speech, she said that in 2022-2023, sports cooperation between Russia and China will reach a new level.

Tokyo 2020 winners Evgeny Rylov and Nikita Nagornyy, and multiple world champions Dina and Arina Averina, took part in the SPIEF business and sports programme. League of Stakes signed contracts with Olympic champions Evgeny Rylov, Alexander Bolshunov (online), and Alina Zagitova at the Forum. The contracts were developed by the Roscongress Foundation's sports platform and Telesport Media. The deal was made at the initiative of the Russian National Team Sports Training Centre, which seeks to support athletes who have demonstrated their civic commitment. Liga Stavok also acted as the general partner of SPIEF Sport Week. 

Over a thousand people took part in the SPIEF Run. For the first time, the SPIEF sports programme was inclusive. With the support of the G-Drive brand, special athletes, that is, athletes with intellectual disabilities from the Russian Special Olympics, took part in the run alongside other participants. Sports evenings at SPIEF saw Forum participants play Roscongress Cup gala matches in ice hockey, basketball, and football.

For the first time at SPIEF, the Ministry of Sport of the Russian Federation had a pavilion, providing a platform for discussion of the industry's current challenges. The stand hosted a presentation of the first-ever technological tournament, the Games of the Future. This is a new international-scale sporting event, in which young people combine technical devices, elements of digital reality, and physical activity. Nineteen cities competed for the right to host the event, and Kazan was the winner. The event, which will carry the slogan 'Made in Russia for New Generations,' is scheduled for 24 February 2024.

There was also a stand of the Boxing Federation of Russia, dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the organization. The leaders of the Russian national team took part in the first round of the Victory Cup, a new series of team tournaments, and a face-off was held at the Forum venue.

The extensive SPIEF Sport Week programme was implemented by the Roscongress Foundation's sports platform, RC Sport, in coordination with the Ministry of Sport, the Centre for Sports Training of Russian National Teams, and Russian sports federations.

 

 

Forum partners

The Forum is supported by the title partners of SPIEF 2022, which are Sberbank, USM, and ROSATOM. Rosseti is the strategic partner. The official airline of the Forum is Aeroflot. The general sponsor of the Forum is VTB Bank. General partners of the Forum are VK, VEB.RF, Gazprom, Gazprombank, Gazprom Neft, Mir Payment System operator NSPK, Novatek, and Rostec State Corporation.

 

Forum organizer

The Roscongress Foundation is a socially oriented non-financial development institution and a major organizer of nationwide and international conventions; exhibitions; and business, public, youth, sporting, and cultural events.

The Foundation was established in 2007 in order to help develop economic potential, promote national interests and strengthen Russia's image. The Foundation comprehensively researches, analyses, shapes, and highlights issues on the Russian and global economic agenda. It provides administration and facilitates the promotion of business projects and investment attraction, and promotes social entrepreneurship and charitable projects.

Each year, the Foundation’s events draw participants from 208 countries and territories, with more than 15,000 media representatives working on-site at Roscongress’ various venues. The Foundation benefits from analytical and professional expertise provided by 5,000 people working in Russia and abroad.

The Foundation works alongside various UN departments and other international organizations, and is building multi-format cooperation with 173 economic partners, including industrialists’ and entrepreneurs’ unions, financial, trade, and business associations from 78 countries worldwide, and 179 Russian public organizations, federal and legislative agencies, and federal subjects.