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Roscongress Foundation and French–Russian Chamber Commerce and Industry agree on cooperation

28 February 2017

Roscongress Foundation CEO Alexander Stuglev and French–Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry General Director Pavel Сhinsky signed a cooperation agreement at the Russian Investment Forum on February 28.

The document envisages cooperation in a number of areas as part of the organization of joint events that aim to strengthen economic ties between the Russian Federation and the French Republic. In particular, this means organizing events involving individuals who make decisions on investment projects, including government representatives, providing assistance in forming business delegations and conducting an expert assessment of the programmes of the Roscongress Foundation’s business events that focus on Russian–French themes as well as information cooperation.

Roscongress Foundation Director Alexander Stuglev noted that the French–Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry has proven to be a reliable partner for the Roscongress Foundation. “The French–Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry traditionally takes active part and makes a substantial contribution to work involving preparations for and holding the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. For several years now, the organization has assisted us in forming delegations from France and organizing special events on the side-lines of the Forum. We hope that the signing of the agreement on mutual understanding between the Roscongress Foundation and the French–Russian Chamber of Commerce will enable our organizations to work in an even more smooth and effective manner in building a constructive dialogue and consolidating the business communities of the two countries”, he noted.

For his part, French–Russian Chamber Commerce and Industry General Director Pavel Shinsky noted: “It is symbolic that we are signing this agreement during the year of the twentieth anniversary of the French–Russian Chamber Commerce and Industry. Over the last 20 years, French investment has increased from USD 15 million to USD 2 billion per year, making France one of the top direct investors in Russia. French companies are creating jobs, paying taxes, developing local goods production, involving Russian service providers in projects … and already exporting products made in Russia to third countries. More than 1,200 French companies have opened branches and set up production in Russia. However, the potential for cooperation is much greater, above all for medium- and small-sized French companies to enter the Russian market and for Russian products to enter the French market. By signing this agreement with Roscongress Foundation, we hope to unlock this potential and kick-start a new round of cooperation. In the current challenging geopolitical conditions, we believe that business can work according to market laws for the good of all countries without regard for politics”.

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