First day of the Eurasian Economic Forum 2018 comes to a close in Verona
The first day of the XI Eurasian Economic Forum has come to a close in the Italian city of Verona. About 1,300 delegates from over 50 countries attended. Forum participants include ministers of the Eurasian Economic Union, representatives of the European Union, regional governors, government officials and politicians, ambassadors, and business leaders from participating countries.
The Chief Executive Officer of Rosneft Igor Sechin read the welcome address from President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin to participants and guests at the Forum.
"The Forum has earned its authoritative position in international political, expert, and business circles. The diversity of its participants makes it possible to hold grounded discussions of a wide range of often very complex issues on the Eurasian agenda," the address reads. "The theme of this meeting 'Economics of trust and business diplomacy from the Atlantic to the Pacific' is highly relevant. It reflects the growing need for broad international cooperation in trade and economic relations, in the financial sector, the energy sector, in technology and other areas, which should be free from artificial barriers and obstacles such as sanctions and unfair competition. I would like to confirm that Russia is open to constructive cooperation with all partners on the Eurasian continent."
There was also a welcome address to the participants in attendance from Interior Minister and Deputy Prime Minister of Italy Matteo Salvini, Mayor of Verona Federico Sboarina, and and President of Banca Intesa, President of the Conoscere Eurasia Association Antonio Fallico.
"Italy plays a very important role in the Russian economy, and Verona is ranked third among exporters. Verona is, and sees itself as window for the development of business between Russia and Italy, and we would like to see the Russian business community should feel at home in our city. Verona's entrepreneurs and their colleagues across Italy are ready and willing to expand relations with their Russian counterparts, including with government structures," said Federico Sboarina.
Matteo Salvini explained that he believes Italy could become a 'bridge' in relations between the United States and Russia, and that all disagreements should be resolved calmly at the negotiating table.
«I hope that Eurasian Economic Forum in Verona will gain pivotal role in further positive development of relationships between Europe and Asia,” emphasized Antonio Fallico.
On the first day of the forum, participants focused on issues relating to building an economy of trust, and energy security in greater Eurasia. Discussions addressed practical aspects of cooperation between business and governments, the risks and opportunities of cooperation, and developing dialogue among businesses in today's geopolitical environment.
The Forum is set to continue tomorrow, on 26 October. Sessions will be broadcast online on the official websites and Facebook sites of the Roscongress Foundation, the St Petersburg International Economic Forum and XI Eurasian Economic Forum in Verona.
The event is organized by the Conoscere Eurasia Association, the Roscongress Foundation, and the St Petersburg International Economic Forum.
The St Petersburg International Economic Forum will take place in St Petersburg from 6 to 8 June 2019.
