St. Petersburg International Economic Forum expects 15,000 participants from over 100 countries

Russia is ready to host the annual St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF 2018) on Thursday, with thousands of participants expected at the event.

“The interest is high and official delegations from over 100 countries will come, which is about 15,000 potential participants,” St. Petersburg Governor Georgy Poltavchenko told reporters. “Among high-ranking guests, we are expecting French President Emmanuel Macron and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.”

According to Poltavchenko, representatives of major companies from over 70 countries, including the UK, are also expected at Russia's premier economic forum.

"Great Britain will be also represented," he said. "I am not ready to say who will be heading the delegation, but it will consist of representatives of major British businesses."

Poltavchenko stressed that “despite the recent rhetoric the interest of business as well as among world politicians is still high in regard to the forum.”

The three-day St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, which will officially open on May 24, is one of the world’s key economic discussion platforms. It is held under the patronage of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Traditionally the event gathers foreign heads of state and government, key public figures, heads of international organizations and major companies, leading world experts, analysts and the media.

Last year, SPIEF brought together more than 14,000 participants. Among the attendees were the heads of 700 Russian and 400 international companies, including from the US, Germany, China, Italy, and Japan.

The forum was also attended by high-ranking foreign politicians. Some 475 investment agreements, memorandums, and statements of intent were signed.

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