The Fourth BRICS+ International Municipal Forum was held in St. Petersburg. Its participants were public figures, politicians, entrepreneurs, opinion leaders and scientific experts from 40 countries. The event is held with the support of the Russian Foreign Ministry, Rossotrudnichestvo and the government of St. Petersburg.
In eight thematic blocks, the participants talked about green energy, digital transformation, national development goals, urbanization, import substitution, global business trends and new development directions. One of the main objectives of the forum is to promote the socio-economic development of the territories, build business communications and attract investment to the regions and municipal cities of the BRICS countries and partner states. The leitmotif of the IV Forum: "Man and the World: Development of Trends and Adaptation to the New".
The plenary session of the forum was held on November 25, its theme is "New Reality: Challenges and Opportunities". The delegates discussed the issues of improving the quality of the urban environment, unlocking the economic, tourism, cultural and educational potential of cities, attracting innovative technologies, digitalization, charity and others. In addition to thematic sessions, an exhibition was held at the forum, where companies and regions had the opportunity to demonstrate their products, investment projects and achievements in various fields.
The RAUIE took part in two sessions of the forum. The RAUIE Chairman Vitaly Mankevich spoke in the panel discussion "Great Eurasian Partnership: Strategic Inter-Municipal Cooperation", and the RAUIE Vice President Suzanna Mkrtchyan spoke in the session "Eurasia: FEA Opportunities for Small Businesses and Prospects for Business Development in Russia for Asian Countries".
Vitaly Mankevich: "As for exports, it is important to understand here that often in the process of introducing a product to the Chinese market, one should not rush to conclude an agreement with retail chains. Chains need large volumes, stable quality and low prices. Very few Russian manufacturers are ready to provide these conditions from the very beginning.Therefore, it is better to start with placing samples and contacts with distributors, as well as with the creation of a local sales office.That is why the RAUIE launched a network of pavilions with Russian food products in China and, based on its 8 representative offices, develops sales offices of Russian food producers".
