Vladimir Putin held a videoconference meeting
with heads of leading Italian companies. The discussion focused on trade,
economic and investment cooperation between Russia and Italy and prospects for
further expanding bilateral business ties. Members of the Russian Government
also took part in the videoconference.
During the meeting, Russian President noted
that Italian companies and representatives of Italys business community are
regulars at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum and Eastern Economic
Forum, Russias key international discussion platforms. Vladimir Putin paid
particular attention to the special session of the RussiaItaly Business
Dialogue, a sideline event of SPIEF 2021. This year, the St. Petersburg
International Economic Forum will take place on 1518 June. Eastern Economic
Forum is scheduled for 58 September.
Russian President noted the Russian-Italian
Investment Platform for financing large capital-intensive joint projects. This
platform was established in 2019 together with the Russian Direct Investment
Fund. Vladimir Putin also mentioned the Foreign Investment Advisory Council
under the Government of the Russian Federation. For the last 26 years, this
Council has worked on improving the conditions of business enterprise.
Today, Italy is considered one of Russias
leading economic partners. It is Russias third largest trade partner in the
EU. Italian companies investments in Russias economy amount to about USD 5
billion, and Russian investments in Italy are estimated at about USD 3 billion.
The last time Russian President met with representatives of Italian companies was in October 2018. According to Vladimir Putin, many voiced recommendations have been taken into account in the ongoing work to create a favourable climate for growth and development of the economic environment, to improve economic regulation and the business climate, including attracting foreign investment.
Source: http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/67638.