The XXIX St. Petersburg International Economic Forum has completed its work

On June 6, the XXIX St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, the largest business platform for demonstrating international economic ties and new trade and investment projects in Russia, concluded its work.

In less than thirty years, the SPIEF has become a global event that sets the tone for the entire economic agenda of the country: here they present their vision of the world order, develop political ties with foreign countries, make major deals and sign important contracts.

The global status of the Forum is confirmed by its geography and broad representation — this year the Forum was attended by over 24,500 participants from 142 countries, and its practical focus, where concrete decisions are made, innovative large-scale projects are launched, and investment agreements are signed.

According to reviews from foreign guests, they come to the Forum "in search of great opportunities, profitable investments, and reliable contacts."

One of the largest delegations arrived from Saudi Arabia, which has the status of a guest country this year. The delegation of the Kingdom was led by the Minister of Energy of Saudi Arabia, His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. The delegation includes about two hundred representatives of key ministries, banks and the Saudi Aramco oil Corporation.

Numerous delegations arrived from China (about 200), Saudi Arabia (more than 180), Tanzania (about 170), Uzbekistan (more than 150), the United Arab Emirates (more than 120), Kazakhstan (more than 90).

For the first time in several years, delegates from the United Kingdom and the European Union, including Germany, Austria, and France, officially attended the Forum. For the first time in the last decade, the Forum was attended by an official U.S. delegation led by Chairman of the Commission on Fine Arts Rodney Cook.

The CIS countries and friendly states were represented at the traditionally high level.: Brazil, Vietnam, Egypt, Yemen, Cameroon, China, Cuba, UAE, Senegal.

Among the high-ranking officials involved were:

President of the United Republic of Tanzania Samiya Suluhu Hassan; President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev; Deputy Chairman of the People's Republic of China Han Zheng; Vice President of Myanmar New So; First Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic Daniyar Amangeldiev; Deputy Prime Minister of Uzbekistan Jamshid Khojaev; President of the Republic of Abkhazia Badra Gunba; Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Abkhazia Jansukh Nanba; Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Abkhazia Taras Khagba; Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations Stasha Kosharac; Vice President for Planning, Minister of People's Power for Planning of Venezuela Ricardo Jose Menendez Prieto; First Deputy Prime Minister of Vietnam Zia Tuk Pham; Coordinating Minister of Infrastructure and Regional Development Agus Harimurti Yudoino of Indonesia; Oscar Perez-Oliva Fraga, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment of Cuba.

The Forum was attended by about 130 high-ranking foreign officials: deputy prime ministers, foreign ministers, prosecutors general, heads of international organizations and associations, heads of diplomatic missions, heads of foreign cities and regions.

From the Russian side, the Forum was attended by: 40 high-ranking officials, 28 heads of federal services and agencies, and 78 heads of constituent entities of the Russian Federation.

According to the results of the SPIEF business program, more than 9200 representatives of Russian and foreign businesses from more than 4,300 companies took part.

At the same time, the number of top officials on the site was more than 2,800.

The main theme of the Forum "Pragmatic dialogue — the way to a stable future" was reflected in the speeches of the participants of the plenary session.

The main report was delivered by Russian President Vladimir Putin, in which he outlined Russia's economic priorities and stated that Russia would continue to strengthen its sovereignty and expand its circle of partners.

"It would not be an exaggeration to say that the race for sovereignty has unfolded and is gaining momentum. In tense, difficult conditions, Russia continues to strengthen its sovereignty, not by closing itself off, but on the contrary, by expanding the circle of partners. Yes, the economic dynamics are subdued now, and we'll probably talk about this later. Here I would like to remind you of the task set for the Government: starting next year, we need to return to a steady growth rate of the domestic economy."

The Head of State also noted: "Russia holds a high position in the pace of implementation of digital platforms, trading marketplaces, solutions in the financial sector, in the field of urban services, healthcare and education. They improve the quality of life of people both in Russia and in dozens of countries around the world, where they successfully compete with their foreign counterparts."

In his speech, the Russian President touched upon Russia's ability to withstand pressure and emphasized the strengthening of the role of the BRICS countries in the global economy. "So, if we look at the dynamics of global GDP over the past five years, then almost half of its annual growth, 49 percent, was provided by the BRICS countries, while the contribution of the so-called "big Seven" is estimated at 18 percent. Currently, the BRICS share of global GDP at purchasing power parity is about 40 percent, while the G7 share is less than 29 percent. According to this indicator, the BRICS overtook the "seven" back in 2020, but the leadership of the BRICS is increasing."

The Russian President praised the work of the Forum as a unique platform for free dialogue: "The uniqueness and attractiveness of the St. Petersburg Forum lies precisely in the possibility of free dialogue on issues that interest entrepreneurs, entire industries and even entire states. We are always open to those who are interested in working with our country and who are ready for equal and mutually beneficial cooperation. We are convinced that this approach – to listen to each other, understand the interests of each side, and find common solutions — is a harmonious path of development, an opportunity to respond to the serious challenges faced by the modern world."

Foreign guests presented their reports: President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of the United Republic of Tanzania Samia Suluhu Hassan, Deputy Chairman of the People's Republic of China Han Zheng.