
Russia: Russia still central for business, says SPIEF official at final presser
The St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) concluded with a final press conference by the event's Organizing Committee Deputy Chairman Anton Kobyakov in Russia's second city, Saturday.
Kobyakov praised SPIEF 2016 for living up to its name, stating that “Russia was and still remains a significant centre of attraction for business contacts and the business community from around the world."
Quoting Russian President Vladimir Putin, Kobyakov added that "effective development is possible only together and in cooperation”. He also cited former French president Nicolas Sarkozy, saying “if Russia would be split from Europe, all that will disappear from the European map."
Around 12,000 people attended SPIEF 2016, among them Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi and the President of European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker.

The St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) concluded with a final press conference by the event's Organizing Committee Deputy Chairman Anton Kobyakov in Russia's second city, Saturday.
Kobyakov praised SPIEF 2016 for living up to its name, stating that “Russia was and still remains a significant centre of attraction for business contacts and the business community from around the world."
Quoting Russian President Vladimir Putin, Kobyakov added that "effective development is possible only together and in cooperation”. He also cited former French president Nicolas Sarkozy, saying “if Russia would be split from Europe, all that will disappear from the European map."
Around 12,000 people attended SPIEF 2016, among them Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi and the President of European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker.