International Economic Forum opens in St. Petersburg

The 4th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum opens today. The forum will devote particular attention to attracting investment into Russia and the CIS, carrying out economic and social reforms, and creating a common economic space in Europe. The Ministry for Economic Development's press office said that issues concerning the development of modern information technology and the entry of new countries into the WTO would also be discussed.

The forum traditionally opens with a speech by the Russian prime minister. Mikhail Kasyanov will be joined at the event in the Tauride Palace by Economic Development and Trade Minister German Gref, Deputy Economic Development Minister Mukhamed Tsikanov and other government representatives.

In all, around 800 people from 47 countries (the CIS, Baltic States, Europe, US, Japan) are taking part in the forum. They include heads of state and government, parliamentary leaders, heads of international organisations, and representatives of the economic and political elites of various countries. The forum is supported by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.