The business programme of the Second Eastern Economic Forum is published

The first thematic block of the Forum’s business programme, "Opportunities for Investors", will be about presenting the investment potential and terms of doing business in Russia’s Far East. To be discussed at the Forum is development of the regional transit and logistics infrastructure, in particular: creation of the Primorye-1 and Primorye-2 international transport corridors, the prospects for using the Northern Sea Route and the biggest seaports in the Far East. Plans will also be considered for creating new facilities within the highway, railway and airport infrastructure. Some venues will address such important issues as production of mineral resources, fisheries, energy, housing construction and tourism.

The Forum’s participants will discuss the preliminary results of and prospects for implementing new mechanisms in Russia’s Far East economic development within the "Incentives for Investors" block. The advantages of new economic zones will be presented. Residents of special economic zones and Free Port of Vladivostok will have an opportunity to propose practical new ideas for improving the business environment. A special venue will be used for disclosing for potential investors all government support mechanisms in the region, as well as the potential for human capital development in Russia’s Far East.

The third topic to be discussed is "Developing the Russian Far East – Advantages and New Opportunities for the Asia-Pacific Region", highlighting the competitiveness of Russia’s Far East, attraction of foreign investments to Russia and international cooperation in the sphere of energy and transport. One key project for discussion will be creating an energy ring between Russia, China, Japan, Korea, and Mongolia.

The following business roundtables are planned as part of the Forum: ‘Russia – China’, ‘Russia – Republic of Korea’, ‘Russia – ASEAN’ and ‘Russian–Japanese Forum’. The sides will discuss joint investment projects that can be delivered in Russia’s Far East. It is planned to present, during the Forum, the most beneficial terms for investing in special economic zones and Free Port of Vladivostok, tax breaks and infrastructural support.

A direct dialogue between business and the authorities will be the cornerstone of the strategic sessions. The participants will discuss with lawmakers and executive authorities the future development of the region, particularly access for investors to oil and gas fields and mineral deposits, development of shipbuilding, the new economic model of the Northern Sea Route, and other matters.

A Governors of the Russian Far East and North-East China Forum, an Eastern Vector Public Council session, the ASEAN – Russia University Summit, the APEC Educational Conference and a session of the Russian–Chinese Financial Council are all planned for the sidelines of the Eastern Economic Forum.

It is expected that the Second Eastern Economic Forum will have at least 2,400 visitors, including representative delegations from China, Japan, South Korea, India, Vietnam, Australia, the USA, and Singapore. Participation by some representatives of the World Economic Forum and other institutions is also planned.

For more information about the EEF 2016 business programme, see the Forum’s official website https://forumvostok.ru/en/business-programme/.

Background:

Eastern Economic Forum

The Eastern Economic Forum is held annually by Decree of the President of Russia Vladimir Putin No. 250 dated 19 May 2015 to promote accelerated economic development in the Far East and expansion of international cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region.