Russia and China discuss joint preparations for business events in 2019
Adviser to the Russian President Anton Kobyakov and Chinese Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Russia Li Hui held a meeting in Moscow.
The main focus of the meeting was China’s planned participation in the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum in 2019. Chinese President Xi Jinping previously accepted Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invitation to take part in SPIEF 2019, which was officially announced during a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Argentina.
Russia has proposed that China serve as a guest country at the Forum. This format involves the attendance of the head of state and, among other things, the construction of a national pavilion within the exhibition space at the Forum, which will serve as the business and cultural centre for the country’s delegation and a venue for negotiations and presentations.
“The status of a guest country at SPIEF not only provides an opportunity to demonstrate the country’s economic and investment potential, but to also broadly present rich Chinese traditions, including gastronomic and cultural, to the Forum’s participants and guests. I am certain that the SPIEF platform will contribute to the further development of business ties with China as one of Russia’s largest trade and economic partners”, Kobyakov said.
A proposal was made to hold the traditional Russia–China business dialogue as part of the SPIEF business programme and to also to organize a panel session on Russian-Chinese cooperation on SMEs within the framework of the Russian Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Forum on the opening day of SPIEF. In addition, Russia has proposed the status of a Forum partner for one or several major Chinese companies’ consideration.
“In 2019, we see excellent prospects for the development of relations between our countries. Next year we will celebrate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Russia and China. This is a landmark event. The leaders of our countries will determine the events that are to be dedicated to this anniversary date. A number of important business events are to be held, such as President Xi Jinping’s participation in the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. This is undoubtedly a key event for us, and we are confident that we will ensure there are practical results together with the Russian side”, Li Hui said.
The two officials also discussed Russia’s participation in the second Belt and Road Forum to be held in China in April 2019. Xi Jinping has invited Vladimir Putin to take part in the event. China expects about 40 heads of state and government to attend the Forum. Li Hui said Vladimir Putin would be the main guest of the event.
Russia proposed organizing a Russia House at the forum in Beijing to serve as a platform for the presentation of Russia’s potential to business representatives taking part in the forum.
Musicians of the St. Petersburg Governor’s Symphony Orchestra performed in Rome as part of a joint Russian-European orchestra at an opera and symphony gala concert. The concert was organized by the Roscongress Foundation together with the Art Bridge Fund.
The leaders of the Russian national team will participate in the first stage of the Tenzor International Cup regatta named in honour of Igor Chentsov, the Chairman of the Presidium and First Vice-President of the Russian Yachting Federation.
This year, the stand of Dobroshrift (KindPrint), one of Russia’s largest social projects, will be presented for the first time at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.
As part of the Youth Day concept development at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, the Roscongress Foundation will present a special project “The Country’s Potential. Career”, which will become part of the ecosystem of youth, social, educational and technological initiatives of the Foundation.
“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.