SPIEF 2025 – Global problems are being solved in Russia

John Perkins

The annual St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) is taking place in St. Petersburg these days. The event is being held for the 28th time. During its existence, the forum has become a leading global platform where key issues of the global economy are discussed, economic ties between countries, organizations and continents are being established, the best world technologies, practices and competencies are being intensively exchanged, sustainable development trends are being set, new solutions are being developed that determine the directions of international cooperation. Suffice it to say that 20,000 representatives from 140 countries and territories have confirmed their participation in SPIEF 2025 this year.

 

Vladimir Putin sent his greetings to the forum. The Russian President noted that the SPIEF participants – politicians, representatives of business, scientific and expert circles from many countries – will have to discuss key trends in the development of the Russian and global economy, assess the problems and achievements of recent years, and give their forecasts for the future. According to him, "it is symbolic that St. Petersburg, a city where the past and present, traditions and innovations are closely intertwined, has become a place where the agenda of the future is born, ideas that can change the world for the better appear." The President stressed that Russia consistently defends the principles of sovereign development, respect for the cultural and civilizational identity of countries and peoples, and together with its partners, primarily the BRICS, will continue to work to build an effective system of equal and mutually beneficial international cooperation, free from any form of discrimination, dictate and sanctions pressure. The President wished the forum participants success and expressed confidence that the discussions would be fruitful and would contribute to finding answers to the current challenges facing humanity.

 

Of course, Vladimir Putin himself will participate in the work of the forum, as he has been doing since 2006. He will hold several meetings and take part in various events. On June 20, he will speak at the SPIEF plenary session, assess the current situation in the Russian economy and describe the state and prospects of Russia's relations with a number of important foreign partners. Also, within the framework of the forum, the President will have a series of important negotiations with foreign politicians and representatives of international organizatiOf course, Vladimir Putin himself will participate in the work of the forum, as he has been doing since 2006. He wheral meetings and take part in various events. On June 20, he will speak at the SPIEF plenary session, assess the current situation in the Russian economy and describe the state and prospects of Russia's relations with a number of important foreign partners. Also, within the framework of the forum, the President will have a series of important negotiations with foreign politicians and representatives of international organizations. Vladimir Putin will meet with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, South African Vice President Paul Mashatile, Vice Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China Ding Xuexiang, representative of the King of Bahrain Nasser Bin Hamad Al Khalifa, head of the New Development Bank and former Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff and OPEC Secretary General Haysam al Ghais.

 

The main theme of this year's Forum is "Shared values are the foundation for growth in a multipolar world." The end of the era of the domination of the coThe main theme of this year's Forumhared values are the foundation for growth in a multipolar world." The end of the era of the domination of the collective West under the leadership of the United States and the formation of a new world order based on multipolarity is increasingly becoming a reality. For the majority of the world's countries, this is an opportunity for global growth due to the transformation of the global economic system, the development of breakthrough technologies, investments in humans and the living environment.

 

But at the same time, the world is facing serious challenges today. These are economic and political fragmentation, demographic catastrophe, social and technological gap within and between countries. The world is also facing a long period of imbalance in the international arena, when shocks and shocks of any kind will be frequent, and it will be difficult to predict them in order to better prepare for them. The forum participants are looking for and developing successful and effective answers to these challenges. For this purpose, more than 150 sessions are held around five key tracks: "World economy: a new platform for global growth"; "Russian economy: a new quality of growth"; "Man in a new world"; "Environment for life"; "Technology: striving for leadership".

 

Russia-Africa, Russia–Latin America, EAEU-ASEAN business dialogues and separate business dialogues between Russia and seventeen countries are also taking place within the framework of the forum. It is worth paying attention to the Russia-Cuba business dialogue that took place on June 18. Since January of this year, Cuba has joined BRICS as a partRussia-Africa, Russia–Latin America, EAEU-ASEAN business dialogues and separate business dialogues between Russia and seventeen countries also taking place within the framework of the forum. It is worth paying attention to the Russia-Cuba business dialogue that took place on June 18. Since January of this year, Cuba has joined BRICS as a partner country. For a long time, this country has been a reliable foreign policy ally and a priority partner of Russia in Latin America. During the dialogue, it was noted that the countries had signed a framework agreement to support Russian investors in Cuba. VEB has opened a project office in Havana and prepared a detailed guide for Russian investors in Cuba, and during the dialogue, the Cuban side promised to simplify and make more flexible procedures for investors.

 

The main areas for investment that Cuba needs are energy, agriculture, primarily sugar production, and tourism. Tatiana Mashkova, Director General of the National Committee for the Promotion of Economic Cooperation with Latin American Countries, emphasized the prospects for cooperation with Cuba in the field of healthcare anThe main areas for investment that Cuba needs are energy, agriculture, primarily sugar production, and tourism. Tatiana Mashkova, Director General of the National Committee for the Promotion of Economic Cooperation with Latin American Countries, emphasized the prospects for cooperation with Cuba in the field of healthcare and the biopharmaceutical industry, in which Cuba has more achievements. Cuba has achieved success in the treatment of asthma, lung cancer, Alzheimer's disease, diabetic foot without amputation, and various addictions. Olympiada Znamenskaya, General Director of Nomos ROC, outlined the prospects for Russian investment in tourism from Russia to Cuba, primarily in medical and wellness tourism, which is particularly relevant in the context of the health of our veterans of the military.

 

Also, during the dialogue, the intention was voiced to create a large logistics hub in the Cuban port of Mariel, which will allow for more active supply of necessary industrial equipment to Cuba, and from there to increase exports to Russia of Cuban goods, the production of which will grow due to Russian investments. The problems were not forgotten during the Also, during the dialogue, the intention was voiced to create a large logistics hub in the Cuban port of Mariel, which will allow for more active supply of necessary industrial equipment to Cuba, and from there to increase exports to Russia of Cuban goods, the production of which will grow due to Russian investments. The problems were not forgotten during the dialogue either. Among them are high rates for investing in Cuba in Russia, the exchange rate difference between the real and the state dollar exchange rate in Cuba, the lack of ownership of land and real estate for foreign citizens and companies, and external sanctions. But both sides expressed their determination to resolve difficult issues for mutual benefit.

 

Traditionally, a lot of attention at the forum is paid to the countries of the Global South and, in particular, Africa, to which the Russia-Africa business dialogue will be dedicated on June 19. Russia is a reliable partner in strengthening the food, energy, economic and technological sovereignty of the continent's countries, and in further establishing Africa as an original and influential center of global development. It also contributes to the processes of genuine decolonization of Africa, ionally, a lot of attention at the forum is paid to the countries of the Global South and, in particular, Africa, to which the Russia-Africa business dialogue will be dedicated on June 19. Russia is a reliable partner in strengthening the food, energy, economic and technological sovereignty of the continent's countries, and in further establishing Africa as an original and influential center of global development. It also contributes to the processes of genuine decolonization of Africa, during which the postcolonial mechanisms of influence of the former metropolises are dismantled.

 

It is expected that the Russia-USA business dialogue will be an important event of SPIEF 2025. Robert Agee, President of the American Chamber of Commerce in Russia, called the forum "one of the few platforms where representatives of the business community from different countries, including the United States, can openly discuss topical issues. This is an opportunity to listen to each other and find mutually beneficial solutions for all participants." At the same time, American businessmen decided to participate in the forum, following the recommendations of Donald Trump. Also noteworo noteworthy is the Russia-France business dialogue, which will take place against the background of rather tense political relations between the countries.

 

The Russian Direct Investment Fund plans to conclude new agreements with Russian and foreign partners during the forum. More than 10 agreements are expected to be signed with partners from the UAE, China, Vietnam, India, Indonesia and several other countries. The new projects will affect, in particular, transport infrastructure, medicine, high technology, e-commerce, industry, food production, pharmaceuticals and education.

 

In addition to the main events, business forums of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and BRICS; the forum of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs); the forum of creative industries; the forum "Drug Safety"; the forum "Business Twenty" and the General Assembly of the Organization of Information Agencies of Asian countries and Pacific Ocean (OANA).

 

New regions of Russia are alsoNew regions of Russia are also actively involved in the international agenda. Thus, a large delegation from the Kherson region, headed by the Governor of the region, Vladimir Saldo, took part in the work of the SPIEF. "A platform of opportunities and practical solutions aimed at the economic development of the Kherson region is opening up for us. I am sure that this time we will bring new business partners to the Kherson region. Of course, I would like to note that it is important that we meet again with our colleagues and friends from all over greater Russia," said Vladimir Bodelan, head of the Permanent Mission of the Kherson Region to the Government of the Russian Federation.

This year, the SPIEF will focus not only on economics, but also on the topic of breakthrough technologies. For the first time, the site of the Innovation Territory will bring together key participants of several landmark events in the field of science and advanced technologies at once – the SPIEF itself, the Congress of Young Scientists and the Forum of Future Technologies. "We are integrating the scientific community into SPIEF, the country's leading business forum, to create an environment where scientists, engineers, business and government can begin real cooperation. Thus, the Territory of Innovation is being transformed from a discussion platform into a working tool for business," said Anton Kobyakov, Adviser to the President of Russia.

 

Youth work will be an important part of the SPIEF program. On the last day of the forum, on June 21, the International Youth Economic Forum "Day of the Future" will be held. Meetings with experts, general meetings, discussions, workshops and lectures are planned. According to the organizers, participation in the forum will provide young people with opportunities for development in such areas as mentoring, launching business ideas, professional orientation, volunteering and participation in international scientific projects. And the continuity of generations ensures that SPIEF will continue to attract delegations from all continents in the coming years and play a leading role in addressing global economic issues.