Vladimir Putin sends welcoming message to Congress of Women-Entrepreneurs

President Vladimir Putin of Russia has sent a welcoming message to the 50th International Congress of the World Organisation of Women-Entrepreneurs. The Congress hosting delegates from 55 countries was opened on Saturday in Russia's second largest city of St. Petersburg.

In his message, Vladimir Putin lays emphasis on "an increasing role" of non-governmental organisations which, as the Russian leader believes, "are becoming energetic participants in the effort to resolve political, economic and social problems." The World Association of Women-Entrepreneurs is "a graphic evidence of this," the president stressed.

It is the first time suchlike event takes place in Russia, which gives the country a nice chance to "show the international community the success and prospects of Russia's business, find new partners and investors for joint activities," the message reads.

St. Petersburg will be hosting the forum until September 19th. The Congress will subsequently continue its work in Moscow until September 22nd.

Lyudmila Chubatyuk, the president of Russia's Women and Business inter-regional association of women-entrepreneurs, said in an interview with RIA Novosti that one of the Congress' primary objectives was to establish investment contacts between Russia and other countries. According to her, the Congress is also a chance to prove that Russia's investment climate was improving.