As St. Petersburg is preparing to host an economic forum in June, Russia’s Trade and Economic Development Minister German Gref denied speculation that Russian businessmen were instructed not to visit the London economic forum in April.
“I want to deny speculation that Russian businessmen were instructed not to visit the London economic forum which took place in April,” Mr Gref stressed. “Businessmen decide themselves which forums they want to attend and the government does not regulate this”. As for the upcoming forum in St. Petersburg, there will be three times as many people attending it than last year, according to German Gref.“We have received confirmation from 47 countries sending delegations to the economic forum,” the minister stated. “Approximately 13 to14 heads of state and 11 prime ministers are coming. 1400 members have already registered. One can register, order offices for negotiations and arrange meetings with other members of the forum through our web-site right now”.