Suits head to St Pete for business forum

The international business community is keenly anticipating the next St. Petersburg Economic Forum, which kicks off this Friday in Russia’s northern capital. Last year more than 9,000 people took part in the three-day event, signing deals worth $US 13.5 b

German Gref , the President of Sberbank, Russia’s largest bank,  says it’s one of the biggest events of its kind in the world.

“Its hosts dozens of meetings, I think only Davos can match it,” Gref said.

Russia has done a lot to promote itself as a reliable place to do business. For many Russian businessmen, the main value of the forum is that it enhances the image of Russia as a serious business environment.

Russia’s Finance Minister, Alexey Kudrin, has said the St. Petersburg Forum is increasing in significance. He says: “the main aim of the Forum is the further development of Russia and the CIS region.”