OREANDA-NEWS. September 8, 2008. “Over its years of existence, your forum, which is distinguished by its substantial business programme, has earned deserved recognition from specialists”, Mr Medvedev said in his message. “It has become an influential forum for discussion of the most important social and economic development problems facing the country today, above all in Siberia, the Trans-Baikal region and the Far East.

Your forum’s motto this year is “Europe – Russia – Asian-Pacific Region: integration and collaboration”. And its work will emphasise all-round expansion of ties with the countries of Europe and the Asia-Pacific region, new investment projects to develop the region’s transport and energy infrastructure, and comprehensive development of the region’s abundant natural resources. Effective realisation of these objectives will increase Russia’s economic potential and strengthen its standing on the international stage as a reliable partner open for long-term and mutually beneficial relations”. 

The Baikal Economic Forum is one of Russia’s biggest business forums and takes place in Irkutsk once every two years. The forum first took place in 2000.