The 7th Baikal Economic Forum, an annual international event devoted to economic development of the Far East, Siberia and Russia as a whole, opened in Irkutsk on Monday.
 |
|
Participants attend the 7th Baikal Economic Forum in Irkutsk, Russia, Sept. 12, 2011. The 7th Baikal Economic Forum, an annual international event devoted to economic development of the Far East, Siberia and Russia as a whole, opened in Irkutsk on Monday
|
At the three-day event, participants from more than 20 countries will discuss issues related to energy cooperation, large investment projects, development of basic resources in the Siberian region, as well as construction of infrastructure and communication networks.
At the opening of the forum, Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin stressed the forum's role in helping promote Russian innovation and regional cooperation.
Shi Xiushi, chairman of the Financial and Economic Committee of China's National People's Congress, hailed the forum as an influential platform for promoting cooperation at both governmental and business levels.
The forum was first convened in 2000 under the auspices of Russia's Federation Council, the upper house of parliament.
This year's forum has drawn more than 1,000 participants. Delegations from Venezuela, Nicaragua, Colombia and Lithuania are attending the event for the first time, according to the official website of the forum.
Chinese delegates would discuss with their Russian counterparts mechanisms for supporting and financing investment projects in border areas.
Traditionally, the second day of the forum will be devoted to roundtable meetings and the signing of a series of treaties and agreements./.