According to Russia’s Minister of Trade and Economic Development Herman Gref, the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum organized by the Russian Government, the Federation Council, and the City of St. Petersburg has become the key economic exchange venue in the country. Over five and a half thousand people from 46 countries have participated in the event this June.

The President of the Russia Vladimir Putin along with four other heads of state – Tarja Halonen, the President of Finland; Janez Drnovsek, the President of the Republic of Slovenia; Vojisllav Koshtunisa, the Chairman of the Government of the Republic of Serbia; President of Ministers of the Republic of Latvia – and many representatives from 58 regions of the Russian Federation visited the 10th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.

The Forum was accompanied by three specialized exhibitions – Advanced technologies in the oil and energy complex, Innovation achievements, and Investment projects. Presentations about St. Petersburg, the Krasnodar territory, Poland, and Belarus were conducted within the framework of the event. Lenexpo fairgrounds in the Gavan became the demonstration place for advanced technologies and achievements in all economic sectors. Two Plenary Sessions, 12 round table meetings, and the “Global Energy” Awards Ceremony were held during the Forum. The business program of the Forum featured region- and company-specific presentations. The Business Networking Area provided business communication and contacts on all levels.

The 10th St. Petersburg Economic Forum was held in a new format and featured practical trends. Over 10 agreements in the amount of over USD 1 billion were concluded at the Forum, as Herman Gref reported. One of the contracts made during the negotiations provides for the construction of a Nissan automobile factory in St. Petersburg.

The Forum’s chief hallmark is its truly creative atmosphere that allows new economic and innovation ideas to emerge. “The Forum has become the best marketing of the country one could ever imagine,” said Herman Gref.