President Putin Opens Sixth St. Petersburg Economic Forum

Vladimir Putin is expecting 'attractive initiatives, new ideas, and decisions' from the Sixth St. Petersburg Economic Forum. This was spoken of during the welcoming speech of the President of the Russian Federation at the Sixth St. Petersburg Economic Forum. 'These meetings on the shores of the Neva have become a significant event in the economic life of the CIS', remarked Putin. Among more pressing problems, which are to be discussed at the forum, the President of the Russian Federation singled out Russia's entry into the WTO, progress in the field of high technology, and the development of small and large businesses.

The economic forum in St. Petersburg will continue until June 22. It was initiated by the Federation Council and the CIS Inter-Parliamentary Assembly under the aegis of the Russian President and with the assistance of the government.