SPIEF 2018 to be attended by biggest Saudi delegation in Forum’s history
Delegation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia visited Moscow to discuss the participation of the Kingdom representative in St. Petersburg International Economic Forum 2018. During the meeting between top officials from the Roscongress Foundation with the representatives of the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA) on 13 March sides discussed key issues related to the construction of the Saudi stand in the exhibition area of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum and exchanged ideas concerning business and cultural programmes for the delegation’s visit. They also focused on an initiative to organize a Russian-Saudi roundtable and the signing ceremony for a cooperation agreement between the SAGIA and the Roscongress Foundation during the SPIEF. A number of intergovernmental Russian-Saudi agreements are also expected to be signed at the Forum.
Underscoring the importance of cooperation between the parties, Anton Kobyakov, Advisor to the President of the Russian Federation and Chairman of the Programme Committee of the SPIEF Organizing Committee noted: “Saudi Arabia has always been and remains an important partner for Russia in the Middle East. The Kingdom’s participation in the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum in 2018 will enable our countries to reach new understandings and agreements concerning international economic and cultural cooperation.”
SAIGA representatives highlighted that this year, Saudi Arabia will be sending the most substantial delegation in the history of the Forum. The delegation is expected to include economic ministers as well as CEOs from some of the country’s largest companies, roughly 150 delegates altogether.
Several national pavilions are scheduled to be presented at the SPIEF 2018. France and Japan will have national exhibition pavilions during the Forum. There are also plans to set up an African Lounge at the SPIEF. This initiative was put forward by the African Business Initiative union for the representation of entrepreneurs in Africa. The lounge will serve as a presentation area and a place for business networking between the official and business communities of Russia and Africa.
