Putin confident EEF will lay ground for new projects

Moscow, Aug 21 : Ahead of the annual Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) in Vladivostok, Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed confidence that the event would lay the ground for new and prospective projects, which will facilitate the development of mutually-beneficial collaboration and cooperation.

He expressed his views in a message of greetings to the guests and participants of the 5th EEF to be held from September 4 to 6 and to be attended by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, and Mongolian President Khaltmaagiin Battulga.

Ministers and business representatives from a number of other countries will also attend the event.

In his message, Putin said, "The development of the Russian Far East, including strengthening of its economic and innovative potential, as well as raising the living standards of its residents, is our indisputable priority, a truly all-encompassing national task."

He said lately, "an array of unprecedented efforts" supported the regional business development, and the formation of Advanced Special Economic Zones.

"Industrial, social, educational and sporting infrastructure is being expanded.

Significant attention is being paid to the Free Port of Vladivostok, a zone with a special legal regime.

Partnership between the business circles of Russia and the Asia-Pacific Region is growing stronger," the Russian President said.

He emphasized that "being the largest Eurasian power", Russia supports the dynamic development of the Asia-Pacific Region and welcomes equitable dialogue, both bilateral and multilateral within the EAEU, the SCO, and APEC.

Expressing confidence that the EEF would be productive, he said, "And, of course, the forum will allow representatives of federal and municipal executive bodies, entrepreneurial, and expert communities to chart highly professional approaches and paths towards implementing the National Programme for the Development of the Russian Far East, for the benefit of the residents of the Russian Far East and all of Russia."

The EEF will be marked by over 70 business events, including panel discussions, with an aim of expanding international cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region and developing the economy in Russia's Far East.

The event will also feature country-specific business dialogues with entrepreneurs from India, China, Japan, South Korea, ASEAN, and Europe.

IANS is the media partner of the EEF.

The EEF programme consists of four main thematic pillars -- 'New Solutions for Accelerating Economic Growth', 'Improving the Business Environment', 'The Far East and Asia Pacific: Fostering Collaboration', and 'New Solutions for Improving Quality of Life'.

As per the tradition, the central event of the EEF will be a plenary session attended by Putin, Modi, Abe, Mohamad and Battulga.

The 'New Solutions for Accelerating Economic Growth' theme will include sessions on preferential regimes in the Far East as well as new tools for economic growth and enhancing the region's investment appeal.

The participants will discuss ways to improve such mechanisms as advanced special economic zones, the Free Port of Vladivostok, the Far Eastern Hectare programme as well as measures to provide financial and non-financial support to investors.

They will also consider prospects for the development of key industries in the region.

Discussions within the 'Improving the Business Environment' pillar will focus on creating new opportunities for investors in the Russian Far East.

The main themes of the sessions will be improvements to national jurisdiction and the protection of investors' rights, the transformation of the public administration system within the context of digitalization as well as the development of small and medium-sized businesses.

The theme of 'The Far East and Asia Pacific: Fostering Collaboration' will address interaction between Russia and countries of the Asia-Pacific region.

The key discussion topics will be: international scientific and technical cooperation, the digital transformation of international trade, the future of the Russian Arctic, and transport corridors through the Far East.

The 'New Solutions for Improving Quality of Life' pillar will be devoted to social development issues in the Russian Far East.

The main themes will include: attracting private investment to the social sector, improving the quality of education and healthcare in the region, developing a modern urban environment, and creating cities of the future.

--IANS

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Source: IANS