OREANDA-NEWS. July 8, 2009. The message reads, in part:

“Your forum, devoted to key problems in the development of Siberia and the Far East, has brought together outstanding scientists, businesspeople, experts, and NGO representatives from many countries. This high level of interest from specialists as well as the general public is normal, as this region has great natural resources, powerful research institutions, major production facilities, and important transport routes running through its territory and joining Europe and Asia.

Today, it is critically important to take advantage of this competitive edge to make best use of the potential of Siberia, Trans-Baikal, and the Far East. The top priorities include developing the energy sector, implementing innovation technologies, improving transportation infrastructure, and widening business and cultural contacts with countries in the Asia-Pacific Region.

I count on the suggestions and recommendations developed during this forum to be applied in practice, helping improve socioeconomic stability in the region, and encouraging better international cooperation in Asia and the Pacific.”

The International Economic Conference on the Role of Siberia and the Far East in Global Development, being held on the sidelines of the Baikal Economic Forum, is taking place in Ulan-Ude, the capital of the Republic of Buryatia, on July 8-10, 2009.