Russia and Italy: on the path to a “trust economy”
Moscow has hosted a meeting between Advisor to the President of the Russian Federation Anton Kobyakov and Professor Antonio Fallico, President of the Conoscere Eurasia Association and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Banca Intesa.
The individuals discussed steps to increase dialogue between Russia and Italy at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF 2018), which is being held under the theme “Building a Trust Economy”. The nature of the two countries’ participation in preparing and running upcoming business events in Austria was also determined. “Cooperation between Russia and Italy has retained its upward trend, and there is also significant potential to further develop trade and economic ties. Italian businesses have traditionally held an interest in the Russian market – an interest that extends to the launch of joint ventures.
“Italy is a strategic partner of Russia. Regardless of the global political situation, the business communities of our countries remain well and truly focused on collaboration, and on developing it further. It is my belief that trust on the part of business is a key marker in constructive dialogue between the two nations,” said Kobyakov.
Two joint events are scheduled to take place at this year’s St. Petersburg International Economic Forum: a Russia–Italy roundtable, and a session entitled “Italian Technologies for a New Quality of Life”, the latter forming part of the programme for the Sixth Russian Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Forum on 23 May. Particular emphasis will be given to technologies across various spheres: energy storage, recycling, construction, and renewable energy sources (including a project to reprocess nuclear waste). A wide-ranging cultural and sporting programme is also planned. On 25 May, Turin’s Teatro Regio choir will perform with the Mariinsky Theatre orchestra, underscoring the close ties between Turin and St. Petersburg. Italian football legend and winner of the Peace Summit Award Roberto Baggio will hold a master class at SPIEF 2018 for young Russian footballers.
Also discussed at the meeting were aspects of organizing new discussion platforms in Europe initiated by Professor Fallico – the First Russian–Austrian Economic Dialogue and the First International Meeting in Almdorf. The Russian side expressed its interest in supporting and participating in the business events set to take place in Austria in April.
“We place a high degree of importance on Russia’s role in developing international economic cooperation. SPIEF and other business events enable constructive dialogue on promising areas to be maintained on an ongoing basis. Such events are required to establish and consolidate cultural and economic relationships between the countries, which is especially important in order to join efforts to overturn the current anti-Russian sanctions,” said Fallico.
