Between 30 September and 1 October 2005, the Minister for Economic Development and Trade of the Russian Federation G.O. Gref took part in the activities of the annual international economic forum Kuban 2005.
Minister for Economic Development and Trade G.O. Gref made a contribution to the Economic Forum Kuban 2005. The Minister pointed out in his address that the Kuban Economic Forum had evolved into a high-profile event not only in the economic life of Russia, but also developed an international image, with the forum agenda extending far beyond the boundaries of the regional economy.
G.O. Gref's contribution focused on the partnership between the state and private business, which he believes to be instrumental for improving the investment climate in the region and Russia at large. The Minister said that the Government's primary objective at this stage of promoting business-state partnership is to get rid of red tape in all aspects of the economic life in this country. In the context of all-embracing globalization, Russia's economy must hold its own not only in the domestic, but in the international market as well. It is necessary to take advantage of both well-established and novel mechanisms such as special economic zones, tech parks and clusters in order to promote Russia's New Economy.
The Forum was staged by the Ministry for Economic Development and Trade of the Russian Federation jointly with the Apparatus of the Russian Federation Presidential Plenipotentiary in Southern Federal District and administration of the Krasnodar Territory, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation and Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Russian Federation with support from the Government of the Russian Federation.
The keynote of the International Economic Forum Kuban 2005 is "Investments: Development Options for the Russian Economy". The fourth international forum Kuban 2005 discussed issues of strategic development of the economy of the Russian Federation constituent territories and possible arrangements for promoting a favourable investment climate.
The spotlight was also put on priority projects in economic sectors of the Krasnodar Territory, in particular on development of tourist and transport sectors of the region and investment into innovation-oriented projects.
The primary objective of the Kuban 2005 International Economic Forum is organization of consultations and discussions between representatives of the authorities and private business, which centre on speeding up the processes of investment-driven development of Russia's regions.
The pivotal principle of the forum activities is staging negotiations and consultations in an atmosphere of trust and absence of hidden political agendas.
The Kuban 2005 forum was attended by senior officials of RF legislative and executive bodies, representatives of the Government of the Russian Federation, ministries and agencies, heads of constituent territories of the federation, major international financial institutions, private business, heads of diplomatic and trade missions, scientists and public figures.
For further details about the Kuban 2005 international economic forum "Investments: Development Options for the Russian Economy" please visit the Web site www.forumkuban.ru
