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President Putin greets participants in Sochi-2012 Investment Forum

The Sochi authorities expect some 15,000 guests, including representatives of 28 states, eleven diplomatic missions from Europe and Asia, to attend the forum this year

MOSCOW, September 20 (Itar-Tass) — President Vladimir Putin has sent a message of greetings to participants and guests of the 11th International Investment Forum Sochi-2012.

During the period of its work the Forum has turned into an authoritative discussion club for a concrete constructive dialogue between the bodies of power and the entrepreneurial and expert community and recommended itself as a venue for demonstration of the potential of Russian regions and launching interesting, perspective projects, the Kremlin press service quoted Putin as saying on its website on Thursday. The forum is venue for a discussion of important problems of the development of international and inter-regional contacts and studies of serious problems pertaining to strengthening the economy of Russia's south and other territories, Putin said.

An intensive work of the business community to a great extent accounts for a steadfast, dynamic development of regions, positive dynamics of the modernization and renewal of the industry, the agricultural and social sectors, Putin said. Therefore, our main task is to create the best and a competitive business climate in the full sense of the word, encourage direct, long-term investments aimed at creating new work places and promoting development of modern, high-tech industries, the president said.

"I am confident that the recommendations of the forum will be used in practical work and help Russian and foreign entrepreneurs assess their possibilities and help them put into life new plans and initiatives needed at present," Putin said.

The Sochi authorities expect some 15,000 guests, including representatives of 28 states, eleven diplomatic missions from Europe and Asia, to attend the forum this year. A business luncheon organized by the Russian Sberbank scheduled for September 21 will be a starting event of the business program of the "Sochi-2012". The forum will continue until September 23.

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