October 30-31, Istanbul, Çırağan Palace
Organizer: Associazione Conoscere Eurasia
Forum topic: New Energy for New Economic Realities
Forum slogan: Art of Innovation
PROGRAM
OCTOBER 30
08:00-9:00 – Participant registration / Welcome coffee
09:00-10:30 – Opening Session
MC: Guzem Yilmaz Ertem, Bloomberg HT
MODERATOR: Alessandro Cassieri, Journalist (Italy)
10:30-12:00 – SESSION 1. New Realities of Energy Cooperation: Innovative Strategies for Global Progress
MODERATOR: Tadzio Schilling, CEO, Association of European Businesses
12:00-13:30 – SESSION 2. Global Change and Its Impact on the Business Environment
The world is changing so rapidly that business does not always have time to adapt to new conditions and rules, and often to the disappearance of rules and regulations. This has a negative impact since business circles like to operate under certainty. But in recent years, business has shown how brilliantly it has mastered the art of operating under any conditions. What new geopolitical challenges should the economy prepare for? Will they turn out to be more favourable or will the geopolitically motivated storm intensify?
MODERATOR: Vito Rosario Petrocelli, President, Italy BRICS Institute
13:30-15:00 – Lunch
15:00-16:15 – SESSION 3. Is the Real Sector of the Economy Back in the Lead?
The energy sector and the production of consumer and investment goods are returning to the top of the economic pyramid. After decades of entertainment with the service economy, life has reminded us that services will not feed and clothe us, and without energy, the modern world is doomed to stagnation. This is not a fad, but a new trend. How can the global economy adapt to it? What role does international cooperation play in developing strategies for such adaptation? Which countries can play a key role in it?
MODERATOR: Erdem Acay, Chairman of the Board, RTIB
16:15-16:30 – Coffee break
16:30-18:00 – SESSION 4. Transportation and Logistics Infrastructure: One of the Decisive Factors for Successful Global Economic Development
Amidst growing economic uncertainty, unpredictability, and disruptions in production and cooperation chains that increase risks on numerous transportation arteries, the problem of logistics is becoming a crucial one. How do representatives of this business segment envision the future? What is the importance of Türkiye’s experience? How can this experience contribute to global and regional development, including in the Middle East and Central Asia?
MODERATOR: Ekaterina Entina, Director, Mediterranean Studies Centre, Higher School of Economics
18:00-18:40 – Light dinner
18:40-19:10 – Shuttles to Haliç Congress Center
19:30-21:00 – Concert by Al Bano Carrisi (Haliç Congress Center)
21:15 – Shuttles from Haliç Congress Center to hotels
OCTOBER 31
08:00-9:00 – Welcome breakfast
09:00-10:00 – Opening of the second day of the Forum
MODERATOR: Alessandro Cassieri, Journalist (Italy)
SPECIAL GUEST: Romano Prodi, President, Foundation for International Cooperation; President, European Commission (1999–2004); Prime Minister of Italy (1996–1998, 2006–2008)
10:00–11:00 – SESSION 5. Food Production in the Context of Climate Change
The agricultural sector is one of the most conservative and essential to human life. Today, it is also closely linked to solving environmental problems, ensuring water balance, and controlling the climate change that had accompanied the entire history of mankind. New developments in agriculture and the food industry are equally important. What direction are they heading in? How can we saturate the food market and ensure global food security?
MODERATOR: Mark Entin, Director, Department of European Law, Moscow State Institute of International Relations; Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Luxembourg (2012–2016)
11:00–12:00 – SESSION 6. The Financial System in the Context of Changing Technologies and Global Rules of the Game
The challenges facing the global financial system are diverse in nature. New technologies promote new solutions, which in turn pose new problems and not just ways to overcome old ones. A vivid example is the development of cryptocurrencies. There are also purely financial mysteries – the future of gold, the dollar, new payment systems. At the same time, these geopolitical mysteries serve as a new factor of unpredictability. How do representatives of the financial industry see its main trends?
MODERATOR: Alessandro Banfi, TV Journalist (Italy)
12:00–13:30 – SESSION 7. Digital Technologies Defining the Trajectory of Economic Development
Modernity is marked by the rapid progress of new digital technologies, which open up never before seen opportunities for human and economic development. Artificial intelligence, revolutionary solutions in medicine, and new strategies in the energy sector – the list goes on. What will take root, what will become a new source of competitiveness, and what will create new problems?
MODERATOR: Sergey Afontsev, Deputy Director for Scientific Work, Primakov National Research Institute of World Economy and International Relations, Russian Academy of Sciences
13:30–15:00 – Lunch
15:00–16:00 – SESSION 8. Tourism between Economy and Culture
The tourism industry has long become an essential part of the economy for many countries, and its contribution to their GDP is significant. Moreover, it makes an invaluable contribution to interaction among people from different countries and the establishment of mutual respect. The success of the tourism industry is related not only to the presence of natural, historical, and cultural riches, but also to the development of infrastructure, the availability of skilled professionals, and the art of hospitality, a kind of cultural code. Türkiye and Italy are excellent examples of countries with mass inbound tourism, and Russia is an example of a country that not only generates a significant flow of outbound tourism, but also rapidly increases its own tourist appeal. How can the experience of these countries be useful for the development of the tourism economy?
MODERATOR: Fabio Massimo Parenti, Associate Professor of International Political Economy and Global Studies, China Foreign Affairs University
16:00–17:00 – Forum recap
MODERATOR: Maylyn López, Director of BRNN and International Relations for LAD Editorial Group Italy
17:00–18:30 – Light snacks
Ras Al Khaimah, 5-6 December, 2024
Organizer: Associazione Conoscere Eurasia
Forum’s Motto: “The Art of Innovation”
Forum Emcee: Lenah Hassaballah, Editor, CNN Business Arabic
05 DECEMBER 2024
08:00 – 09:00 Participant registration
09:00 – 10:00 Opening Session
Moderator: Lenah Hassaballah, Journalist, CNN Arabia
WELCOME REMARKS
10:00 – 11:30 Special Session
Keynote speech
Panelists
Moderators: Aleksandr Dynkin, President of the Institute of World Economy and International Relations (IMEMO)
Alessandro Cassieri, journalist (Italy)
11:30 – 12:00 Special Appearance
Moderator: Alessandro Cassieri, journalist (Italy)
12:00 – 13:00 Special Session: The UAE: A Rising Global Hub of Economic Power and Trust-building
The UAE has embarked on an ambitious and pragmatic economic strategy rooted in ‘The Principles of the 50’ to build the best and most dynamic economy in the world underpinned by a whole-of-government approach enshrined in the Second Principle (Economy First Doctrine), stating that “The economic development of the country is the supreme national interest, and all state institutions, in all fields and across different federal and local levels, shall bear the responsibility of building the best global economic environment and maintaining the gains achieved over the past 50 years.”
This highlights the UAE’s vision to accelerate sustainable growth, foster innovation, and expand its economic footprint in regional and global markets.
As a critical gateway between East and West, the UAE has emerged as a significant hub for business cooperation, attracting diverse international partners through strategic investments and progressive economic policies.
The UAE’s appeal consists of a blend of factors: forward-looking economic policies, geopolitical stability, high-quality infrastructure, and a regulatory environment conducive to business growth.
Moderator: Eddie Taylor, Communications strategist and consultant
13:00 – 14:00 Lunch
14:00 – 15:00 Session 1: Energy and environment: a marriage of convenience?
Without energy there is no economy, but energy itself in large part develops in line with the international environmental agenda. How can the traditional and essential energy be made more environmentally friendly? How can the green agenda be grounded in reality more? What could be the function of natural gas, hydropower and nuclear power in these processes?
Moderator: Tadzio Schilling, CEO, Association of European Businesses
15:00 – 16:30 Session 2: Regionalization vs globalization: a sustainable trend or a temporary phenomenon?
Geopolitical factors have a largely determining influence on economies and trade around the world. Can we say that globalization has been replaced by regionalization of relations? How does increased regional cooperation fit into the emergence of larger economic development trends all over the world? What kind of centers are being formed in the Eurasian space? What can be learned from the experience of the UAE and the Gulf states?
Moderator: Vito Rosario Petrocelli, president of Italy BRICS Institute
16:30 – 16:45 Coffee break
16:45 – 17:30 Session 3: Infrastructures and transportation—the key to successful regional and global development
The experience of recent years shows that without reliable transportation routes based on a developed and high-quality infrastructure, the economy stalls, slows down, and does not move forward. What new routes are emerging in the world, especially in the Greater Eurasia area? To what extent is this affected by new trade ties, particularly between Europe and Asia? This has crucial importance both for the development of local systems, such as local airports, rail and road hubs, and on a global scale. The UAE’s example and experience in developing new international and regional transportation corridors can be very relevant.
Moderator: Vincent O’Brien, Director of ICC
18:00 – 19:00 Dinner (at the forum venue)
06 DECEMBER 2024
09:00 – 09:30 Opening of the second day of the Forum
Moderator: Alessandro Banfi, TV journalist (Italy)
09:30 – 10:30 Session 4: Changing finance in a changing world
The financial world is going through one of the most turbulent periods of change Innovative solutions that make its functioning easier, various constraints that inhibit it, the emergence of new payment systems driven by technological advances and political constraints, a widening range of currencies for payments, escalating debt problems—these and many other factors are changing the context in which banks and financial institutions operate. How do they see the future of the financial industry?
Moderators: Alessandro Banfi, TV journalist (Italy)
10:30 – 11:30 Session 5: The challenge of new technologies—from digitalization to medicine
Since the early 21st century, new technologies have become an independent factor of the economic development. In many ways, they start to determine its main focus, impose the rhythm of movement, and become an independent element of entrepreneurship New directions for the economy—from information technologies to innovations in medicine—offer a wide range of opportunities. In what technological direction is mankind moving today?
Moderator: Philipp Pegorier, partner Kesarev; Vice Chairman of the board of the Association of European Businesses
11:30 – 12:30 Session 6: An industry the global economy needs
All manufacturing sectors are experiencing a new industrial revolution. What is the experience of Europe and Asia? What is more important—the real sector that delivers real products to the market, or the online content creators taking the lead in terms of market capitalization? How can these two be reasonably balanced? How can the prospects of new technologies for humans, such as AI, be assessed?
Moderator: Ahmed Al Naqbi, Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Development Bank (EDB)
13:00 – 15:00 Lunch
15:00 – 16:00 Session 7: Ensuring food security and combating desertification
The year 2024 marks the 30th anniversary of the Convention to Combat Desertification. This topic is of particular relevance in the context of international food security and the conservation of biological and water resources. What are the achievements in this area, particularly in the UAE, what needs to be done to saturate the global food market and fight against hunger?
Moderator: Mark Entin, Head of the Department of European Law, MGIMO; Ambassador of the Russian Federation in Luxembourg (2012–2016)
16:00 – 17:00 Session 8: Social development as a condition for an inclusive economy
Overcoming social inequality, inclusive development, creating conditions for utilizing the potential of various social and societal forces, primarily youth, improving education, health care, and culture are essential conditions for harmonious economic development.
Moderator: Alessandro Bianchi, independent journalist (Italy)
17:00 – 17:30 Forum summary
Moderator: Aleksey Pilko, Director of the Eurasian Communication Center
November 03-04, 2023
Silk Road Samarkand Congress Centre
Organizer: Association Conoscere Eurasia
Program
November 03
08:00 – 09:00 – Registration, Silk Road Samarkand Congress Centre
09:00 – the beginning of the Forum
Special session: An oasis of cooperation in the center of Eurasia: the role of Uzbekistan in the development of international economic relations
Session 1: New mechanisms for trade, investment, and technological cooperation in new international context
Session 2: Prospects for the development of raw materials and energy markets in modern conditions
Session 3: Reorganization of logistics and transport routes, given the changing global realities
November 04
Session 4: Markets for financial and banking services in a changing global context
Session 5: New Technological Revolution: Challenges and Opportunities for Eurasia
Session 6: Prospects for Industrial and Technological Cooperation in the Space of Greater Eurasia
Session 7: Ensuring the Development of the Agricultural Sector and World Food Security; Opportunities for Environment-Friendly Agriculture.
Session 8: Humanism or degradation? Value basis of the future world.
October 27-28 2022
Organizer: Associazione Conoscere Eurasia
Economic cooperation in the Eurasian space in the context of the new global reality
Forum Program (download file for printing)
Forum Program (azerbaijan language)
27 October 2022
08:00–09:00 Registration
09:00–10:00 Opening. Welcoming speech by the organizers
Moderator: Alessandro CASSIERI, Correspondent, Italian state broadcasting company RAI
10:00–12:00 SPECIAL SESSION: The new reality of commodity and energy markets
Global commodities and energy markets clearly mirror the rapid geopolitical changes taking place around the world. What used to take years and even decades is happening before our eyes, literally in real time. What is the new reality emerging from these processes? What will these markets look like in the long term? The speakers will offer answers to these and other pressing questions.
Moderator: Aleksandr DYNKIN, President of the Institute of World Economy and International Relations (IMEMO)
Alessandro CASSIERI, Correspondent, Italian state broadcasting company RAI
12:00–12:15 Special guest address
Moderator: Alessandro CASSIERI, Correspondent, Italian state broadcasting company RAI
12:15–13:15 SPECIAL SESSION: Azerbaijan – a major hub for Eurasian economic cooperation and its prospects for relations with the EU and EAEU
Azerbaijan’s capital will host the Eurasian Economic Forum in 2022, with the aim of contributing to the business dialogue in Greater Eurasia. Baku’s choice is no accident. By doing so, the country reaffirms its essential and meaningful international presence, amplified by its own great trade and economic potential. Participants in the session will elaborate on their vision of the prospects and opportunities for Azerbaijan and its growing economy in a dynamically changing world
Moderator: Manuela TRALDI, President, Italy Azerbaijan Chamber of Commerce
13:15–14:30 Lunch
14:30–15:30 SESSION 1: From a monopoly crisis to a multipolar world order
There are profound changes taking place in the world order. There are many different assessments of what is happening. What are the main trends of these processes and their possible outcomes? Is it only a crisis of a monopolar world order that may return in a renewed form, or is multipolarity inevitable?
Moderator: Amr ABDELHAMID, Founder and General Manager, Center for Arab Eurasian Studies (CAES)
15:30–15:45 Coffee break
15:45–16:45 SESSION 2: Natural gas – a key resource for the economy of the future
In today’s environment, natural gas has become the fuel of the future. It has several combined advantages. In a changing environment, what are the prospects for the development of the natural gas industry and the use of methane in power generation, industry and utilities? What are the investment and logistics prospects for the industry?
Moderator: Konstantin SIMONOV, General Director, National Energy Security Fund (Russia)
16:45–17:30 Diplomacy in the modern international context in the service of interaction and cooperation
Moderator: Aleksei PILKO, Director of the Eurasian Communication Center
28 October 2022
08:00–09:00 Registration
09:00–10:00 SESSION 3: Modern cooperation in industrial and commercial cooperation
Increasing geopolitical tensions and pandemic-induced restrictions on cross-border activities are radically changing international cooperation chains that have been built up over the decades. The new reality shows both the deep interdependence of markets and regions and the need to reorganize cooperation systems and their geography. What is the outlook for industry in the emerging new context?
Moderator: Tadzio SCHILLING, Chief Executive Officer, Association of European Businesses (АЕВ)
10:00–11:00 SESSION 4: The fate of humanism in the context of global challenges
Humanism is a belief in the creative power of man, in his virtues, in his ability to ascend, in his desire for justice and truth. Now this great centuries-old epoch of the formation and triumph of humanism is coming to an end. How to save humanism from degeneration, from destruction? On what soil to grow its new shoots – after all, it is impossible to go back, you need a new one. What forces will try to nurture this new one? How to develop a new order philosophy that includes awareness of profound social changes under the influence of technology? How to preserve human rights and freedoms in this changing world?
Moderator: Valery FADEEV, Advisor to the President of the Russian Federation, Scientific Director of the Institute of Heritage and Modern Society of the Russian State University for the Humanities
11:00–12:00 SESSION 5: Financing and payment models in a changing global context
The international financial system is under increased strain in a changing operating environment. Deteriorating macroeconomic indicators and record inflation are presenting banks and financial institutions with new challenges. How do market leaders see this key sector evolving in the short and medium term?
Moderator: Vladimir GERASIMOV, First Deputy General Director, Executive Director, Interfax News Agency
12:00–13:00 SESSION 6: The role of the technological revolution and green economy in global economic and security development
Technology or the underlying economic sectors? What is the equilibrium point between these two branches of development? Developments in recent years and months show both the importance of new technologies and their fragility and dependence on resource industries. They can both stabilize and destabilize global security. How do we maintain cooperation and the exchange of technology and scientific developments, against the urge to control and monopolize technological advances?
13:00–14:30 Lunch
14:30–15:30 SESSION 7: New threats to food security and opportunities for agro-industrial development
The issue of global food security, the prevention of hunger and the effective development of the agro-industry has become a central theme in recent months. What needs to be done to prevent such threats? How serious are they? What do industry leaders think about this global issue?
Moderator: Franco FRACASSI, Journalist (Italy)
15:30–16:30 SESSION 8: New logistics and transport routes (corridor North–South)
Transport and logistics have proven to be the most vulnerable areas of international trade and economic cooperation under both pandemic and other constraints. They are particularly stressed by the breakdown of established links and chains of collaboration. How are new transport routes emerging, which ones will become more in demand, and how is the overall logistics structure changing globally?
Moderator: Veronika NIKISHINA, CEO, Russian Export Center
16:30–17:00 Forum summary
Moderator: Alessandro BIANCHI, Journalist (Italy)
The participants of the anniversary XV Verona Eurasian Economic Forum gathered together in Baku this year and now wholeheartedly express their deep appreciation of our Azerbaijan colleagues’ warm hospitality and help with successful preparation and organization of the event.
Holding the XV Verona Eurasian Economic Forum in Baku shall break new grounds in its history. In fifteen years, the Forum became an influential platform ensuring communication between businessmen and government and experts’ community representatives of many countries.
It expanded geographically over time. At first, only representatives from few countries engaged in the Forum’s activity. Now, however, its reach has grown much broader. Everyone who believes in the Greater Eurasia, from whichever part of our “macroregion” they are, from Europe and the Greater Middle East to the South-East Asia, from Trans-Caucasian region and the Central Asia to the Indo-Pacific, desire to tell their story, share their plans and approaches, discuss their opportunities and needs. So this year we had a chance to learn what our colleagues from Mongolia, India, China and other countries think.
The agenda of the Verona Eurasian Economic Forum has changed drastically as well. At the start, the main topics were situation in energetics, security of energy supply and interaction within the Greater Europe that, sad to say, needs to be strengthened. Today, our primary focus is on the future of energy sector. A few sections of the Forum in Baku addressed this issue. Also, no less time was dedicated to discussions regarding finances, technology and industry, transport, logistics. Broadly speaking, the fates of the world were discussed along with the international relations deterioration, place of a person in the modern world and care for wellbeing of a person, realistic climate agenda, newly-emerging social and economic development model and its incompatibility with voluntarism and devil-may-care attitude in international affairs.
Representativeness of the Verona Eurasian Economic Forum and the utmost importance of the issues we discuss for all our “macroregion” entitle us to call to our countries and peoples in the hope that they rise to the call. Applicative conclusions and specific deeds must follow.
There is no alternative to a broad peer-to-peer inclusive international cooperation. Business diplomacy is of a great importance here. All countries and all regions around the globe need equally such kind of cooperation. Not so long ago, everyone understood that, appreciating and supporting this approach. Thanks to such cooperation, G20 managed to neutralize global financial and economic crisis in 2008 relatively quickly, although temporarily, without addressing the structural issues. By now, such cooperation has suffered greatly. It should be not only restored, but exceeded by expanding G20. This is a must. We urge all peoples of all countries that hold dear our common future to unite the efforts with a view to improve the broad peer-to-peer inclusive international cooperation. Let there be dialog instead of confrontation; progress and no regress.
Having paid the toll of endless victims and losses, many wars and conflicts, humanity embraced the principle of pacta sunt servanda as the supreme value in global communications, which means that “agreements must be kept”. Strict adherence to this maxim, the unavoidable fulfillment of concluded agreements, the respect for promises made shall create a situation of legal certainty, respect for each other and mutual trust. Without this, without the protection of private property and the open market economy principles, it will not be possible to have long-term economic projects, to conduct current affairs or make personal projects of life. We demand that common sense prevail and that any infringements regarding the observance of international treaties, the execution of concluded agreements and the principle of protection of private property be stopped.
In words, everyone agrees that a person, their interests, needs and desires should be at top of mind in economic development. Everyone supports the statement that normal economic development should go hand in hand with the human personality, spiritual, intellectual, moral development. But unacceptably little is being done for this purpose. Mostly, only nice slogans are proclaimed, followed by nothing. This can no longer be tolerated. We call on everyone to unite with us and put care about a person before people’s diplomacy, public diplomacy, and business diplomacy. Our goal is to make this criterion decisive when making any political decisions.
Holding of the Verona Eurasian Economic Forum in Baku is only the first step. It shall be followed by organization of the Forum in other centers of our “megaregion”. Baku was not chosen by chance. Its place is in the heart of Eurasia. According to its culture, traditions, history and political geography, Baku is located both in Asia and in Europe. For many years, Azerbaijan has been able to pursue a multi-vector policy of cooperation and interaction with a variety of countries and groups of countries belonging to different political and state systems. We will be guided by the same considerations when choosing other venues for the Forum. It will advance further into Eurasia. In consequence of such an undertaking, we plan to mobilize the widest public international support for our appeal. We are sure that Greater Eurasia has a huge potential, and our task is to jointly put it at the service of peaceful productive development.
Forum Program (download file for printing)
Live broadcast in the section “Program”
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Organizers |
Association Conoscere Eurasia, Roscongress Foundation |
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Co-organizers |
Association of European Businesses, Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs |
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Partners |
Intesa Sanpaolo, Rosneft, Gazprombank, VTB Bank, Region Investment Company, Credit Bank of Moscow, LEX Systems |
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Major sponsors |
Banca Intesa, Accenture, Coeclerici, Assicurazioni Generali |
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| Under the patronage | of the Mayor of Verona | |
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Information Support |
International Technology Transfer Network (ITTN) |
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Moderator: Fabio TAMBURINI, Editor-in-Chief, Il Sole 24 Ore
Moderator: Alessandro CASSIERI, Bureau Chief, RAI PARIS (Learn more about the speaker)
Karin KNEISSL, Member of the Board of Directors, Rosneft
There are various regional and interregional institutions in the Greater Eurasia: European Union, Eurasian Economic Union (Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia, Kyrgyzstan), New Silk Road, Shanghai Cooperation Organization (China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan), Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (ASEAN members: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam; Australia, China, Japan, New Zealand, and South Korea). How can their cooperation contribute to strong, sustainable economic development that respects people and the environment? Can their strategies work together to overcome the global crisis, bring about economic and social development, ease tensions between East and West, and find a new multipolar geopolitical, social, and economic order?
Moderator: Pasquale TERRACСIANO, the Ambassador of the Italian Republic to the Russian Federation (2017–2021) (Learn more about the speaker)
Natural gas is crucial to accompany the energy industry towards its decarbonization by supporting the development of green gas and by digitalizing infrastructures.
How will global demand for natural gas evolve? What are the prospects for the introduction of hydrogen as an energy carrier? What is the strategy of the leading energy companies and what changes do they intend to make in their development?
Moderator: Tadzio SCHILLING, CEO of the Association of European Businesses (AEB)
The current economic system of intensive production and consumption based on capital accumulation and infinite growth is no longer sustainable in terms of resource use. Therefore, there is a need to support a system based on sustainable development, environmental, social, and economic pillars. The aim is to revive the economy and the manufacturing industries, focusing on environmental protection and appreciation of nature. This will enable an effective response to the climate crisis which has developed into a phase of emergency and urgency, with tragic reductions in biodiversity, with deep inequalities between different hemispheres, peoples, and generations.
This is a challenging task to be performed gradually: you should neither panic, nor be overly optimistic.
Moderator: Vladimir GHERASIMOV, Executive Director, Interfax News Agency (Learn more about the speaker)
Moderator: Philippe PEGORIER, Partner, KESAREV Public Policy, Corporate Affairs & Government Relations Consultancy (Learn more about the speaker)
Moderator: Mark ENTIN, Head of the European Law Chair; Professor, MGIMO University; Ambassador of Russia to Luxembourg, 2012–2016 (Learn more about the speaker)
The health and economic pandemics that have engulfed much of the globe admit expecting that they will not be overcome too quickly, which could accelerate processes likely to dramatically alter the underlying social and economic conditions. How will the financial and banking sector respond to deglobalization, the demand to accelerate FinTech and the financial development to achieve sustainable growth? How do banks see the mid-term and long-term future of their industry? What role will the financial and banking sector take on in the green economy transition?
Moderator: Angelo TANTAZZI, President, Prometeia (Italy) (Learn more about the speaker)
What impact do these technologies have on manufacturing processes and hard infrastructure, what is their role in trade and economic cooperation between Europe and Greater Eurasia? Transport, infrastructure, manufacturing, energy, tourism will change. The industry is moving from hard-to-abate sectors to electrification.
Moderator: Guido DE VECCHI, General Manager, SIREF FIDUCIARIA S.P.A. (Learn more about the speaker)
The pandemic and the global economic slowdown have questioned priorities for economic development. Some sectors are expanding rapidly in the environment that has changed, while others are struggling. How sustainable are these trends? How are different economic sectors responding to the new challenges? Which industries are set to change fundamentally as economic growth recovers? What is the future of economic interdependence between countries and regions? How can we build a new, human-centered economy?
Moderator: Evelina ZAKAMSKAYA, Editor-in-Chief, Doctor TV Channel; Anchor, Russia 24 TV Channel
For more than 50 years, neoliberalism has been shaping the economic and political life of the vast majority of countries in the world. The combination of neoliberal ideas and strategies, which can be figuratively defined as a preference of competition vs. solidarity, creative destruction vs. state interference, and economic growth vs. social welfare, has proved to be a failure amidst the pandemic.
As of now, there is public consent to look for an alternative to neoliberalism which is now considered
inferior even by major transnational companies that used to be the most eager lobbyists of harsh market
laws.
The post-pandemic era will obviously be extremely complicated, overly unstable, and fragile, and will
hardly leave any room for social experiments or wrong turns. How compelling are the alternatives to
neoliberalism? What role will the state play in this process?
Moderator: Frank SCHAUFF, Senior Advisor, Berlin Global Advisor; Representative of Conoscere Eurasia in Germany (Learn more about the speaker)
Moderator: Alessandro BANFI, Ogni Mattina show Director, Sky Italia TV company
Forum Program (download file for printing)
Live broadcast in the section “Program”
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Organizers |
Conoscere Eurasia Association, the Roscongress Foundation, the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum |
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Co-organizers |
the Association of European Businesses, the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs |
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| Place | Palazzo della Gran Guardia, Verona (Italy) | |
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Partners |
Intesa Sanpaolo, Rosneft, Gazprombank, VTB, Credit Bank of Moscow, Region Investment Group, Lex Systems |
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Main Sponsors |
Banca Intesa Russia, Accenture, Coeclerici, Assicurazioni Generali |
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Under the Information Support |
International Technology Transfer Network (ITTN) |
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Moderator: Fabio TAMBURINI, Director Il Sole 24 Ore
The first half of 2020 was marked by the collapse of oil markets which saw an unprecedented slump in demand and price. The situation was complicated by the abrupt economic recession due to the pandemic, even though a Chinese recovery is offering some hope. The recovery of oil markets is a litmus test for many other parts of the global economy. Panellists at this session will share their vision of the future of the oil markets and discuss whether Europe’s focus on the green economy still has potential under these new market conditions.
Moderator: Alessandro CASSIERI, RAI PARIS – Bureau Chief (Italy) (Learn more about the speaker)
Financing will be key to rapidly reversing the global economic downturn. What should be done to ensure that fiscal stimuli contribute to sustainable economic development and reach those parts of economy which are most in need, rather than end up in the speculative financial markets? The European Union, for example, is leveraging the recovery from the pandemic in such a way as to advance its green political agenda. Other countries prefer to focus on infrastructure investments or to support specific business sectors such as healthcare. What can we learn from the economic recovery in the wake of the 2008 crisis in order to avoid repeating the mistakes of the past?
Moderator: Guido DE VECCHI, General Director, Intesa Sanpaolo Innovation Center (Italy) (Learn more about the speaker)
The gas industry, like most other businesses, has been negatively affected by the global economic downturn. When will demand and prices recover? Has natural gas completely decoupled from the oil markets, and do we need so many new pipelines and more LNG infrastructure at this moment? Is it time for the industry to embrace hydrogen in response to Europe’s new political pledge in favour of this energy resource? These are some of the key issues which will come under focus at this panel discussion.
Moderator: Alessandro CASSIERI, RAI PARIS – Bureau Chief (Italy) (Learn more about the speaker)
The pandemic is providing an opportunity to review and reanalyse the disruption to the global economy which has been in systemic crisis mode ever since 2008. Cosmetic touch-ups will not work – the way forward can only involve systemic reforms which bring about profound changes in many areas of life. However, major powers have different agendas (as growing tensions between the US and China seem to indicate), while Europe is being forced to choose between its Eastern and Western allies. The role of international institutions like the WTO and WHO is also being fundamentally questioned. The success of the global recovery will be determined by cooperation – or the lack thereof – between the major global players who will set the course of economic development for decades to come.
Moderator: Kirill BARSKIY, Ambassador-at-Large, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation
The calamitous events of 2020 redefined many priorities but also opened up potential and opportunities. This is particularly true of genetics and genome research. This field not only offers enormous potential in terms of healthcare, it can also pave the way for breakthroughs in other areas of the economy. Given the fact that genome work is perceived very differently in the East and the West, will the key to success lie in international cooperation and possibly new global standards? Who should take the lead in this field?
Moderator: Ruggero DE MARIA, President, Italian Institute for Genomic Medicine (IIGM)
Moderator: Alexey PILKO, Direttore Centro Eurasiatico di Comunicazione (Russia) (Learn more about the speaker)
Moderator: Massimo MUCCHETTI, Founder, Eureka 2018 (Italy)
Banks, fintech and the wider financial sector are playing an ever-larger role in today’s economic and political world. Can these market players contribute to social equality, higher environmental standards and the protection of civil rights? Choosing the right strategy today will determine their development path for the years to come. What do market leaders think about this?
Moderator: Aleksey BOBROVSKY, Conduttore Russia-24 TV
The growth of social inequality has exposed the shortcomings of the neoliberal development model and overcoming it seems to be one of the key challenges facing societies, governments and international organizations. Panellists at this session will share their views on this pertinent dilemma.
Moderator: Mark ENTIN, Head of the European Law Chair; Professor, MGIMO University; Ambassador of Russia to Luxembourg, 2012–2016 (Learn more about the speaker)
To ensure sustainable and balanced economic growth from the Atlantic to the Pacific, a market needs to be regulated by compatible and consistent norms based on economic cooperation. That is why regional economic associations, in particular the European Union and the Eurasian Economic Union, need to step up their level of collaboration. However, progress is being hampered by faltering political dialogue, which remains stuck at the take-off stage. Is the new economic reality significantly affecting the relationship between Europe and Russia, or do they remain captive to the misunderstandings of the past? Is it time for the parties to start looking for mutually beneficial solutions to common problems? As a new European Commission takes the reins in Brussels and significant developments occur on the international stage (such as rising trade tensions between US and China or the winding-down of conflict in the Middle East), could this be the time for Russia and the EU to re-engage and start a new chapter marked by more dynamic cooperation? Has that time come, and who should take the lead – Moscow or Brussels?
Moderator: Mark ENTIN, Head of the European Law Chair; Professor, MGIMO University; Ambassador of Russia to Luxembourg, 2012–2016 (Learn more about the speaker)
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the significant shortcomings of healthcare systems around the world. At the same time, it has presented business owners, managers, and municipal leaders with new challenges in creating and maintaining a safe, productive work environment and secure public services and spaces. What new preparatory steps might national and local healthcare officials take to better manage future multiple waves of COVID-19 – as well as outbreaks of new deadly infectious diseases – without having to fall back on economically damaging draconian lockdowns? How can better international coordination between economies and deeper public-private collaboration in the sphere of medical technology lead to more secure health infrastructure and better responses to pandemic threats? What technologies and innovative practices can managers deploy to enable their businesses to sustain themselves and potentially thrive in this rapidly evolving era?
Moderator: Evelina ZAKAMSKAYA, Editor-in-Chief, Doctor Channel; Anchor, Russia 24
Moderator: Alessandro BANFI, Project manager, OGNI MATTINA, SKY Italia
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Organizers |
Association Conoscere Eurasia, Roscongress Foundation, St. Petersburg International Economic Forum |
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Co-organizers |
Association of European Businesses, Russian Union of Industrialists and entrepreneurs |
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| Place | Palazzo della Gran Guardia, Verona (Italy) | |
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Partners |
Intesa Sanpaolo, Rosneft, Gazprombank, Credit Bank of Moscow, Region Investment Group, Lex Systems |
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Main Sponsors |
Banca Intesa Russia, Pirelli, Coeclerici, Assicurazioni Generali, Accenture, Mercantile & Maritime Energy |
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Under the Information Support |
International Technology Transfer Network (ITTN) |
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Moderator: Marcello FOA, President, RAI (Italy)
Global oil markets remain a key determinant in shaping today’s political and economic landscape. What challenges and opportunities do global oil market players see in the sector? We will discuss investments, supply side restrictions, exploration prospects and policy-inspired changes such as the growth of renewables and electrification.
Moderators:
Panel members:
Igor Sechin, Chief Executive Officer, Rosneft – Pricing the Turbulence
Michael Harms, CEO, German Eastern Business Association – Energy cooperation and security in Eurasia
With every year, the geopolitical situation in the world is becoming less predictable. International laws rules and multilateralism are being challenged more and more. Uncertainty is rapidly becoming the hallmark of the modern international life, posing new challenges for international business. Under these volatile conditions, business diplomacy can play an important role in improving relations between countries and international cooperation. But how is such diplomacy best conducted?
Moderator: Sergey AFONTSEV, Ph.D. in Economics, National Research Institute of World Economy and International Relations (Russia)
At a time when we are only hearing more about the decarbonization of energy supply, the role of natural gas can be of particular importance compared to other hydrocarbons. Considering the “green” properties of natural gas, the hydrocarbon can be paired with renewables in trying to achieve the ultimate long-term goal of a clean and secure energy supply. How does the gas industry see its future prospects in this regard?
Moderator: Konstantin SIMONOV, General Director, National Energy Security Fund (Russia)
In a world of growing uncertainty and fewer rules, trust is becoming one of the most sought-after values in international business. How do we build stronger relations of trust and how do we improve relations between various industries and businesses? What role can the governmental bodies play in this trust-building exercise?
Moderator: Angelo TANTAZZI, President, Prometeia (Italy)
Moderator: Valery FADEEV, Secretary, Civic Chamber of the Russian Federation
The financial sector, perhaps more so than others, is sensitive to geopolitical oscillations and requires a strict set of rules to operate. Often it is first in line to respond to new regulatory conditions and policy changes. On top of the emerging geopolitical challenges the financial sector is also undergoing a technological revolution opening up enormous opportunities for some while increasing the risks for others. What are the financing models that will be offered to the clients of tomorrow? How exposed is the sector to geopolitical risks? How do we make sure that opportunities offered by innovation do not introduce new risks to the system?
Moderator: Vladimir GERASIMOV, First Deputy General Director, Executive Director, Interfax News Agency (Russia)
Vladimir CHUBAR, Chairman of the Management Board, Credit Bank of Moscow – What is ESG?
It is obvious that transport infrastructure will always be a key part of the economic success of the region. Goods must not only be manufactured but also delivered. It is no accident that it is precisely around large infrastructure projects that real political battles are unfolding. Whole percentage points of a country’s GDP can depend on a railway line of a port being built in one location or another. How does industry respond to such dilemmas – what role can it play in the space from the Atlantic to the Pacific? Is it about cooperation or competition among the countries when it comes to large complex cross-country infrastructure projects?
Moderator: Mark ENTIN, Head of the European Law Chair; Professor, MGIMO University; Ambassador of Russia to Luxembourg, 2012–2016
The pace of technological development has reached unprecedented levels. What seems like innovation today can become obsolete in the space of a few months. An unprecedented technological race is unfolding. Technological wars are being launched and fought – sometimes quietly, sometimes right in the open and with the questionable means. Where do the participants see the industrial revolution 4.0 going? What will be the challenges and opportunities for the business in responding to technological advancements in the economy of tomorrow?
Moderator: Guido DE VECCHI, General Director, Intesa Sanpaolo Innovation Center (Italy)
The social and economic system of the modern world goes through multiple crises. Inequality is also multifaceted and tends to grow, thereby creating new conflicts, inhibiting development. The greater the inequality, the greater the risks of destabilization. Today we must choose a priority path for the development of people: more freedom and attention to the individual or more integration into the global system.
Moderator: Valeriy FADEEV, Council of the Civic Chamber of the Russian Federation
Speakers will present the country’s ambitious development plans, presenting numerous investment projects that offer great opportunities for cooperation between Uzbekistan and Italy.
Moderator: Roccardo MANARA, Ambassador of Italy to Uzbekistan 2011-2016.
Greeting
Alexey ORLOV, First Deputy Governor of the Sverdlovsk Region
Pasquale TERRACCIANO, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Italian Republic in Russian Federation
Igor DANILOV, CEO, IEC “Ekaterinburg-EXPO”
Anton BURKOV, Head of the Ural Branch, Banca Intesa
Mikhail VASILEV, Deputy Director on “Investment Promotion Agency of the Sverdlovsk Region”
Moderator: Vyacheslav MANUYLOV, Head of international relations section, Department for external economic and international relations of Moscow
Natalya STRUNTSOVA, Minister of Economic Development, Industrial Policy and Trade of the Orenburg Region (Presentation of the industrial, investment potential of the Orenburg region)
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Moderator: Marcello FOA, President, RAI (Italy)
Geopolitics and economic development largely depend on the performance of the global energy market, i.e. oil and gas. What trends have we seen in this key global market, and how might this market change? What might be the consequences of these changes?
Moderator:
Moderator: Alessandro CASSIERI, RAI PARIS – Bureau Chief (Italy)
The world is going through a period of geopolitical tension that is currently showing little signs of fading. These tensions raise additional, and sometimes unwanted, economic and social barriers for trading nations. Various restrictions and protectionist tendencies replace a ‘freedom of trade’ model. In these conditions, political dialogue becomes especially crucial. It is very important to establish contacts between the EU and the EAEU, as well as between other regional associations in the Greater Eurasia region.
Moderator: Mark ENTIN, Head of the European Law Chair; Professor, MGIMO University; Ambassador of Russia to Luxembourg, 2012–2016
Business and government leaders will share their views on the prospects for progressive economic interaction from the Atlantic to the Pacific.
Moderator: Konstantin SIMONOV, General Director, National Energy Security Fund (Russia)
Moderator: Alessandro CASSIERI, RAI PARIS – Bureau Chief (Italy)
Artistic director: Boris Frumkin
Special guest: Marie Carne
The financial sector is rapidly changing under the pressure of widespread new technologies and a turbulent geopolitical situation. How do senior managers in leading financial institutions view the trends in the industry?
One trend is certain: a quality change – in energy, mining, engineering, etc. – will be a necessary condition for the transition towards a new wave of economic development.
Moderator: Angelo TANTAZZI, President, Prometeia (Italy)
Garegin Tosunyan – FINANCIAL RESOURCES FOR A BREAKTHROUGH IN THE EURASIA’S ECONOMY OF THE FUTURE
Andrey Zhuykov Parner REGION Group – EASTERN RESPONSE TO WESTERN PRESSURE
Business and government leaders will share their views on the prospects for progressive economic interaction from the Atlantic to the Pacific.
Moderator: Philippe PÉGORIER, President, Alstom Russia; Member of the Board, Association of European Businesses
Candice Yang Esq. – Lawyer & Chief Asia Strategist – Eversheds Sutherland
China, the EU, and the EAEU promote large-scale infrastructure development programmes. The best results and efficiencies will be achieved if their efforts are combined.
Goods need to be produced and delivered to markets. This creates new challenges in the use and development of transport, which becomes especially relevant in the case of Greater Eurasia.
Moderator: Javier Hurtado MIRA, Chairman Democrat Youth Community of Europe – DEMYC (Brussel)
Achieving sustainable development in the agricultural sector is possible with the assimilation of modern information and communication technologies. The ways in which the sector has embraced digitalization, its transition to the model of land economies 4.0, and, finally, an assimilation of the sector’s latest achievements will be discussed by the speakers during this session.
Moderator: Eugenia SEROVA, Representative in Russia, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO, 2016–2018)
Dmitry SHAPOSHNIKOV, CEO, Agroinnovations – Global Milk Monitoring System (Find ID)
Prof. Oded Shoseyov – The Plant Age: Materials for the future
Technological developments in a variety of areas – digitalization, fintech in the banking sector, pharmacology, cybersecurity, etc. – are leading to revolutionary changes in the economy and everyday life. The assimilation of such innovations is becoming a necessity, but also creates new risks.
Moderator: Riccardo POZZI, OSCE Special Representative of the Chairperson in Office on Innovation Technology, Youth and Security
Marat AITENOV – Astana International Financial Centre – Unlock new opportunities
VARTAN DILANIAN – TECHNOLOGY IMPACT ON ECONOMY AND SOCIETY
Vladimir Shipkov – Pharma innovations – new opportunities for healthcare & industry within EAEU
Moderator: Luciano LARIVERA, Economist
Today high technologies have an increasing impact on our daily lives and are reflected in almost all sectors of human activity — from medicine and education to agriculture, industry and services. Participants of the session will discuss what technologies are now at the peak of interest, and which can be dismissed.
Moderator: Giampaolo Rossi, Member of Board, RAI
Pharmaceutical market of the EAEU countries is a promising market due to the high demand in innovative and effective medical solutions and medicines, a set of government measures aimed at developing the pharmaceutical industry in the territory of the EAEU, health system reform to increase access to modern medical technologies and drugs. In recent years, the EAEU member countries have made a significant progress in the development of the pharmaceutical industry due to the implementation of numerous programs in the EAEU states. For example, in the Russian Federation due to program “PHARMA – 2020” production competencies and facilities covering a wide range of medicinal products has been developed. The international pharmaceutical industry made a major contribution to the implementation of this program, invested more than 5 billion euro in this sector, and contributed more than 30 billion in country economy. Currently the program “PHARMA – 2030” is being developed. It has the aim of the R&D sector development, export orientation, research competencies. An additional impetus to the development of the regional market as a whole and its national segments is provided by the creation of a single market for EAEU medicines, harmonized with international standards, including ICH and EU, and currently being implemented by member states.
Introductory remarks:
Moderators:
Participants:
Representatives of industrial associations, pharmaceutical manufactures, developers, regulatory authorities, other stakeholders concerned.
The past five years have witnessed serious steps towards more integration, connectivity and economic cooperation both within, as well as in between regions of the Eurasian continent.
In 2013 China’s head of state Xi Jinping announced the revival in the 21st century of the ancient Silk Roads under Beijing’s epochal “Belt and Road” Initiative (BRI).
A year later, the leaders of Belarus, Kazakhstan and Russia signed a treaty on the creation of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), the first truly supranational organization in the post-Soviet space after the fall of the Soviet Union. After the accession of Armenia and Kyrgyzstan it is now second only to the EU in terms of integration depth. Over 50 countries from all over the world have voiced their interest in signing trade deals with the new union.
In 2016 Vladimir Putin and Nursultan Nazarbayev co-proposed a more extensive “Greater Eurasian Partnership” involving the EAEU, the CIS countries, China, India, Iran, and other interested countries and associations of the continent. Since then, the EAEU has been working on the creation of a network of free trade areas in the wider Eurasian space. The Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC) negotiated free trade areas with Vietnam and Iran (interim). More are planned with Singapore, India, South Korea, Cambodia and Serbia. As part of its conjunction with the Belt&Road Initiative, the EAEU signed a trade and economic cooperation agreement with China in May 2018.
At the same time, Brussels’s actions in wider Eurasia seemed less coherent, picking up pace only this year, when significant trade deals were finalized with Vietnam and signed with Japan and Singapore. Then, in September the European External Action Service (EEAS) finally presented a joint communiqué on the EU’s strategy for “Connecting Europe and Asia”.
India is also interested in playing an important part in the emerging “Eurasian concert”. As a major connectivity project it proposes the implementation of the international “North – South Transport Corridor” (NSTC). However, New Delhi, it seems, still has no clear cut vision for its engagement in the wider Eurasian continent.
In view of this, the participants of the panel session will discuss the EU’s strategy in Eurasia, as well as the challenges and opportunities that more integration, connectivity and economic cooperation in the wider Eurasian space could pose for Europe, in particular with such projects as the Eurasian Economic Union, the Belt and Road Initiative and the North – South Transport Corridor.
The results and recommendations of the panel discussion will be published in a short policy paper.
Moderator:
Elia Bescotti, Vice-President, European Society for Eurasian Cooperation (ESEC), Austria
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В.В.Путин – Участникам и гостям Х Евразийского экономического форума в Вероне
Moderator: Alessandro CASSIERI, RAI PARIS – BUREAU CHIEF (Italy)
Moderator: Antonio FALLICO, President, Banca Intesa Russia; President, Association Conoscere Eurasia (Italy)
Panel members:
Is it necessary to conduct a dialogue between the EU and the EAEU? What could be its goals, perspectives and conditions?
Moderator: Mark ENTIN, Head of the European Law Chair; Professor, MGIMO University; Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Luxembourg2012-2016
The supply of energy resources in the Greater Eurasia space, energy security of countries and regions are the key conditions for successful economic development. The session is intended to cover the points of the demand for energy resources and production capacities of supplier countries. Scenarios and prospects are in focus.
Moderator: Konstantin SIMONOV, General Director, National Energy Security Fund (Russia)
The financial markets entered a period of uncertainty and imbalance in the face of various structural responses from the US, EU, China, Russia and other countries. In this context, the most palpable anti-Russian sanctions have landed on the financial sector.
Moderator: Marcello FOA, Editorial Director, Corriere del Ticino Group (Switzerland)
Moderator: Alexey PILKO, Director, Eurasian Communication Center (Russia)
Moderator: Luigi DE BIASE, Journalist, TG5-Mediaset (Italy)
The U.S. presidential election, “Brexit”, conflicts in the Middle East, and tensions in various regions of the world reflect profound changes in the geopolitical space. This pace of developments directly affects the economy, both on worldwide trends and on specific areas of development and cooperation. What are the possible future directions?
Moderator: Aleksei BOBROVSKI, Anchor, Russia-24 TV (Russia)
Interregional cooperation have enormous practical value in building long-term economic projects. What is the local authorities’ role in economic relations and in dialogue within the Greater Eurasia?
Moderator: Nikolay EFIMOVICH, Director, Radio and Television for the State Union of Russia-Belarus
Transport and infrastructure projects are priorities for economic development of the Greater Eurasia. The enterprises of the industry offer projects for international cooperation.
Moderator: Evelina ZAKAMSKAYA, Anchor, Russia-24 TV (Russia)
Digital technologies, cloud computing, 3D printing, Big Data, augmented and virtual reality and cyber security are rapidly changing the conditions in which business operates, generating new phenomena, for example, crypto-currencies or innovative payment systems. The advancement of the digital economy in combination with 4.0 industrial revolution makes it possible to significantly accelerate development and becomes one of the key drivers of innovation, competitiveness and growth. While it holds huge potential, only a fraction of enterprises is currently taking full advantage of new digital opportunities. At the same time, new risks and new cyber threats are emerging. How could one set up a push forward digitalization, informatization, exchange and collaboration of cyberspace between Eurasia, European Union and all countries within region to help fostering growth, trade and cultural exchanges, how to withstand new challenges in the dynamic environment?
Moderator: Luciano LARIVERA, Society of Jesus, Economist (Italy)
Moderator: Paolo MAZZANTI, Director, Askanews (Italy)
