Russian-British business forum – partnerships for growth
Eastern Seasons present an annual Russian-British business forum organised by The Russian Trade Delegation, in cooperation with the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation. It provides a unique platform for Europe’s most powerful business and finance officials to discuss the challenges now facing the international community. The Business Forum aims to enhance, promote and consolidate the British-Russian cooperation in terms of trade, investment and economy.
Daniel Kawczynski, a Conservative MP, vice-chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Russia, and a member of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee, is currently undertaking a report into Britain’s relations with Russia. His keynote will deliver a message to the business community: that we must build up Anglo-Russian relations and work together for trade and business. His report will seek to draw on the views of experts to scrutinise current British foreign policy in regards to Russia.
Ahead of the forum, Daniel Kawczynski said:
“Following the result of the US election, and the UK’s impending departure from the EU, it is now essential that relations between the UK and Russia are stabilised and nurtured. We need to cease the anti-Russian rhetoric, and cultivate an adequate political dialogue between the two countries which is respectful and fair to both. The Russian-British business forum is a result of partnership between the Russian Trade Delegation and Eastern Seasons, whose goal is to create a platform for strengthening business and cultural ties between people from Eastern and Western Europe. I hope to use this keynote opportunity to outline ways in which Russia and the UK could move towards a more effective working relationship.”
Both countries share the same goal – to exist in peace, to work as allies on mutual goals, to cooperate in politics, economics and culture fields. Essentially, to treat each other’s nations with dignity and respect.
Alexander Yakovenko, Russian Ambassador, said:
“We are living in an interconnected world. Never before has there been such a need for mutual understanding and respect. Never before has there been such potential for collaboration. The Eastern Seasons programme of events provides a platform to build new relationships, forge business and cultural ties, and create a shared future, based on these important values.
“The Russian-British business forum fosters a dialogue between two countries, allowing for the exchange of innovative technologies and trade agreements. In 2018 all eyes will be on Russia when it hosts the World Cup. We want people from all nations to be standing alongside us, and to benefit from this important international spotlight.”
The forum has been established to critically assess the medium-to-long term investment and trade climate between the UK and Russia. Showcasing expert case studies and panels it will provide an exceptional opportunity for participants to identify and develop their commercial projects. With over 200 attendees and 50 spokespeople attending, it will represent a wide range of industries and interests at governmental and corporate level.
Aside from expert led panels, the forum will also bring together senior-level decision makers, attendees and representatives of both British and Russian organisations to network and debate the key issues affecting the economy and business environment today.
The forum will consist of five panel sessions:
• The interaction of government bodies and development institutions of Russia and the UK for facilitation of bilateral collaboration.
• The role of financial institutions and assessment of support of export activities in the two countries.
• Trends, challenges and prospects of Russian and British cooperation
• FinTech collaboration; Digital transformation and new business models. International data exchange; Cloud computing and network security challenges; Cyber security and online fraud.
• Investment and business climate in Russia (Regional opportunities); 2018 FIFA World Cup presentation.
The Russian-British business forum will also provide a great opportunity to consolidate existing or establish new business dialogues through pre-arranged B2B and B2G meetings both during and after the forum.
