The representative of the Bundestag noted the growing interest of German business associations and entrepreneurs in key events of the Roscongress Foundation.
A meeting with the speaker of the Free Democratic Party in the Bundestag of the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG) Alexander Kulitz tool place at the headquarters of the Roscongress Foundation. Grigoriy Velikikh, Deputy CEO for Expert Analytics and Assistant Director for Youth Policy Roman Chukov, represented the Roscongress Foundation at the meeting.
Alexander Kulitz came into politics from business and is currently the Honorary Federal Chairman of Wirtschaftsjunioren Deutschland, the most significant association of young entrepreneurs and executives in Germany, which brings together more than 10,000 entrepreneurs and executives under the age of 40. Mr. Kulitz is also a member of the Committee on Climate, Environmental Protection and Sustainability of the Mechanical Engineering Industry Association (VDMA), which represents more than 3,200 member companies in mechanical and systems engineering industry in Europe.
The meeting discussed the prospects for the participation of representatives of small and medium-sized businesses of Germany in key economic forums of Russia, organised by the Roscongress Foundation, as well as the potential for joint promotion of promising start-ups and youth cooperation.
Grigoriy Velikikh spoke about the Roscongress Foundation’s activities planned for 2019 and invited representatives of German official and business circles to take part in the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (6–8 June 2019, St. Petersburg), the Eastern Economic Forum (4–6 September 2019, Vladivostok), Russian Energy Week (1–5 October 2019, St. Petersburg), Russian Investment Forum (14–15 February 2019, Sochi).
Alexander Kulitz, in turn, expressed interest in developing cooperation at these events and praised his visit to SPIEF 2018. He noted the need to raise the status of the official delegation of the Federal Republic of Germany at the upcoming forum.
«As for the opportunity for German enterprises to participate at SPIEF, business and economy are like water: they can always find their way. Business people are looking for business opportunities in trade, international participation, as well as participation in SPIEF and other events that promote development potential because they are exposed to the realities of other countries. You meet people, and you work on shared vision, create joint ventures and investments. There are a lot of opportunities and not necessarily in one country. For these few days everyone unites, so the opportunities are huge, and the potential is amazing,» he emphasised.
Following the meeting, the parties also agreed to jointly work out the participation of young entrepreneurs from Germany in the upcoming international youth forums.
«With regards to inviting young German businessmen to Roscongress events, I think that is essential, because German businessmen, like businessmen all over the world, are thinking about their business and what needs to be done to nurture and develop its potential. In these politically hard times, entrepreneurs can become a link, and they can help us politicians to become sensible, reduce political tensions and resolve political issues. I believe that engaging entrepreneurs from all over the world is a right thing to do, and, of course, I will call on all German entrepreneurs and young people to cooperate with Russia, including at SPIEF, which is one of the largest forums in the world,» said the politician.
Following the meeting, Alexander Kulitz answered several questions regarding the potential for developing business communication at key economic forums of Russia. A video interview will soon be posted on the Roscongress Information and Analytical System portal and the Roscongress Foundation social networks.
