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Russia now Europe’s largest economy, Putin states

According to the Russian leader, the country needs to keep its foot on the gas to stay among the world’s largest economies

ST. PETERSBURG, June 20. /TASS/. Russia is the leading country in Europe in terms of gross domestic product, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.

"Russia already ranks fourth in the world in terms of gross domestic product. And it is number one in Europe. <…> These are very significant figures," he told the plenary session of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF).

According to the Russian leader, the country needs to keep its foot on the gas to stay among the world’s largest economies. "[It is important] to create comfortable conditions for businesses, both domestic and from friendly countries, to invest their resources, modernize and expand production inside Russia," he added.

The St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) is taking place on June 18-21. This year, the event is held under the theme "Shared Values: The Foundation of Growth in a Multipolar World." The program includes the SME Forum, the Creative Industries Forum, the Day of the Future International Youth Economic Forum, the Drug Security Forum, and the Roscongress Urban Hub discussion platform. The Roscongress Foundation is the organizer of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. TASS is its information partner.

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