Moscow invites SL for Russia’s Davos

Sri Lanka has been given a fresh opportunity to showcase its investment and export portfolios to the emerging markets as well as the huge Russian region through a premier global forum, dubbed as Russia’s Davos. 
“St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) is a unique event in the world of business and economics. We officially invite you to SPIEF 2017,” said Russian Ambassador to Sri Lanka Alexander Karchava yesterday in Colombo. 
Karchava was addressing Industry and Commerce Minister Rishad Bathiudeen during his call on Bathiudeen at the ministry yesterday. Joining the minister was Ministry Secretary Chinthana Lokuhetti and DG Commerce Sonali Wijeratne.
Dubbed as Russia’s Davos, SPIEF is a huge annual conference targeted at the highest levels of government personalities across the world, drawing high-ranking participants.  
Among global figures at last year’s SPIEF were Prime Minister of Malta Joseph Muscat, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, former UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon and former Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi.  
“This forum has become a leading global platform for representatives of the business community to meet and discuss the key economic issues facing Russia, emerging markets and rest of the world.  
It’s held under the auspices of the president of the Russian Federation. Our Deputy Prime Minister and Chief of Staff Sergey Prikhodko has invited you to join us at SPIEF 2017,” revealed Karchava.
According to the Commerce Department, exports to Russia recorded US $ 181.98 million in 2016. Russia became the 12th leading buyer of Lankan products taking 22 percent of Sri Lanka’s total exports to the world in 2015. 
Tea, apparel, fibres are the main exports to Russia – tea accounts for more than 70 percent of total exports. Among top imports from Russia to Sri Lanka in 2016 were iron, steel, wheat, asbestos and coal. Bathiudeen, responding to Karchava said Sri Lanka’s participation at SPIEF 2017 shall enhance the country’s appeal in the Russian region.