More than 200 attendees from Russia and Turkey took part in a joint session of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum and the Turkish Industry and Business Association (TUSIAD), held in Istanbul on March 21, 2013. The event was entitled ‘Turkey and Russia – Economic Integration Driving Regional Development’. The session began with special addresses by Selahattin Çimen, Deputy Undersecretary of the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources of the Republic of Turkey, and Igor Koval, Director of the Department for Investment Policy and Public-Private Partnership Development at the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation. The participants in the discussion included Tayfun Bayazıt, Vice President of the Board of Directors of TUSIAD; Sean Glodek, Director and Board Member of the Russian Direct Investment Fund;Hakan Ateş, President and CEO of DenizBank; Kaan Arslan, Board Member of Ronesans Holding; Onur Çevikel, Finance and Investor Relations Director at Anadolu Efes; Rauf Kasumov, Deputy Director of Akkuyu nuclear power plant; and Ivan Pronin, Director of the Department of Investment Projects at Inter RAO UES. The meeting was chaired by Financial Times correspondent Daniel Dombey. The participants in the discussion paid tribute to the size and number of Russian–Turkish projects, claiming that cooperation at this level underscores the strategic importance both countries place on long term economic relations, and will also help increase mutual trade.
“Digital economy is a new paradigm for the development of the state, the economy and society.”
To participants, organizers and guests of the 26th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum
Friends,
It is my pleasure to welcome you to the 26th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.
As in the past years, the event’s rich and substantive agenda covers a broad range of relevant and significant issues. Scientists, entrepreneurs, politicians and public figures will discuss key trends and prospects related to the Russian and global economy. They will examine the profound tectonic shifts that are gaining momentum today.
These are in no small measure due to the ongoing formation of a multipolar world and efforts by most countries to secure political and economic independence. Given this, I consider it to be both vital and timely that the theme for this year’s Forum is Sovereign Development as the Basis of a Just World: Joining Forces for Future Generations.
I should note that the Russian business community continues to be active in today’s economic reality. I would therefore like to once again express my gratitude to all those working at companies and organizations, whether in senior positions or as team members, for having done much to overcome the severe consequences of unlawful sanctions.
According to experts, the global economy will continue to decelerate in 2023. In contrast, Russia’s GDP could grow by 1–2%. At the same time, it is vital to make the most of the opportunities that are presenting themselves. That means focusing on attaining technological and financial sovereignty, forging strong ties, developing optimal logistics routes, improving infrastructure and tackling inequality and poverty.
Boosting the labour market is another priority. In order to achieve this, there needs to be a close partnership between the state and the business community, particularly with regard to introducing lean manufacturing technology and modernizing enterprises. And of course, more work is needed to optimize professional training and retraining programmes and improve the national employment service.
I firmly believe that the Forum will continue to help attain global economic objectives and serve as an example of constructive dialogue that leads to results.
I wish you a rewarding and successful event.
Vladimir Putin