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05 February 2004
18-20 April 2004: The 7th Russian Economic Forum
Russia’s economy continues to experience record growth. Early indicators show impressive economic results once again for 2003, with a 7% increase in both GDP and industrial growth, as compared to 2002. Inflation dropped considerably, from 15.1% to 12%, meeting targets set by the Ministry of Finance earlier in the year; domestic and foreign investment both rose significantly. The government’s ambitious plan to double Russia’s GDP within the next 10 years would certainly seem to be within the bounds of reality.
These consistent strong domestic results have already begun to translate into growing international links for Russian businesses in many ways, with new foreign investment, increased trade, and more Russian investment overseas. Russian companies are making enormous strides to truly engage with the global economy, with a state-of-the-art approach to management, and aggressive growth strategies.
It is not difficult to cite these and many other statistics and stories to substantiate Russia’s continued economic success. As always, however, many important questions need to be answered if Russia is to achieve real and lasting change: How dependent is economic prosperity on the world oil price? What can be done to further diversify the Russian economy? What is really being done to create a nurturing environment for SME’s so crucial to Russia’s lasting success? How much appetite will the new Government and Duma have for tackling much-needed structural reforms? What shape will the relationship between government and business take in the months ahead? What are possible sources of domestic and international political tension? What will be the commercial and political impact of EU enlargement?
On 18-20 April, for the 7th straight year, the Russian Economic Forum will help to explore and unravel these and many other critical issues related to Russia’s continuing political, economic and social development. An exhaustive and wide-ranging programme will allow both Western and Russian participants an unrivalled opportunity to gather information about the fast-changing Russian market, and to network in a businesslike but relaxed environment. Delegates will also have a unique opportunity to identify the most exciting opportunities in the various sectors that will be highlighted.
This year’s event promises to be especially timely in light of Russian Federation’s parliamentary and presidential elections, held in December 2003 and March 2004, respectively. As in April 2000, the Forum will serve as an ideal venue for international CEO’s, investors, journalists, political pundits and other observers to gauge the mood in Russia under a new Government and Parliament, and develop a prognosis of what to expect in the weeks and months ahead.
The Programme
The Forum will begin with evening registration on Sunday 18th April, with the conference agenda itself to follow on Monday and Tuesday, the 19th and 20th. There will be a gala drinks reception for all delegates on the evening of the 19th.
Confirmed Speakers Include:
Digby Jones, Director General of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI)
Supachai Panitchpakdi, Director General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO)
Rod Eddington, Chief Executive of British Airways plc
Sir Roderic Lyne KBE CMG, Her Majesty's Ambassador to the Russian Federation
Francois Lamoureux, Director General for Energy and Transport, European Commission
Roger Munnings, President and CEO of KPMG Russia and CIS
Andrei Kostin, Chairman, Vneshtorgbank
Boris Fyodorov, Former Russian Minister of Finance
Dr. Tessen von Heydebreck, Member, Board of Managing Directors, Deutsche Bank
Valery Gergiev, Artistic and General Director of the Marinsky Theatre
Peter Aven, President, Alfa Bank
Peter Hambro, Chairman and CEO, Peter Hambro Mining plc
Chris Gibson-Smith, Chairman, London Stock Exchange
Dr. Klaus Kleinfeld, Member, Corporate Executive Committee/Managing Board, Siemens AG
Nani Beccalli-Falco, President and CEO, Europe, Middle East, Africa, General Electric
Lilia Shevtsova, Senior Associate, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
Quentin Peel, International Affairs Editor, FT
Charlie Ryan, Chairman and CEO, United Financial Group
Ilya Yurov, Chairman, Trust Investment Bank
Nani Beccalli-Falco, President and CEO, Europe, Middle East and Africa, General Electric
An exhaustive agenda will cover a variety of issues critical to Russia's future development (including many topics new for 2004):
Investment and Infrastructure Development in Oil and Gas (sponsored by Shell)
Information Technology (in cooperation with IBS)
Doing Eurobonds (sponsored by Baker & McKenzie)
Precious Metals (sponsored by Peter Hambro Mining plc)
Media Roundtable (in cooperation with The Moscow Times)
Power and Money
Gas and Electricity Reform (sponsored by Roland Berger)
Mergers and Acquisitions (sponsored by Alfa Bank)
Telecommunications (sponsored by Svyazinvest)
“Vox Populi”
Banking and Finance
Prognoses for the Government and Duma (Russian Parliament)
Russia’s Place in Global Politics
Russia plc Goes Global (sponsored by SUAL)
Real Estate (sponsored by KV Engineering and First Real Estate Investment Fund)
Small and Medium Sized Business Development (sponsored by Raiffeisenbank)
Regional Development
Retail and Consumer Goods
The ‘Single Economic Space’
WTO Accession (sponsored by Severstal)
Corporate Responsibility
Pension Reform
Transport
Who Should Attend
Participation in the Russian Economic Forum is an absolute must for any Western CEO, fund manager, investment banker or journalist with more than a passing interest in Russia, and any Russian industrialist, entrepreneur or banker with serious international interests or aspirations.
In April 2003, the Forum was attended by over 1400 delegates from Russia, the UK and around the world, who heard from over 130 speakers on 19 sessions
About the Venue
The Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre, annual venue for the Russian Economic Forum, is located just opposite the Houses of Parliament, in the heart of Westminster. It is widely recognised as London’s premier conference venue.
To register or find out more
To register your interest in participating in the 2004 Forum, contact the organisers directly on +44 20 7510 2560 or via email on info@eventica.co.uk. Visit the Russian language website for the Forum.
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