2nd RP-Russia forum to open at CICC today

THE 2nd Philippine-Russia Business Forum and Exhibition formally opens today at the Cebu International Convention Center (CICC) in Mandaue City.

St. Petersburg vice governor Igor Metelskiy will lead a 30-member delegation composed of Russian government officials, private travel group leaders and journalists.

Metelskiy is scheduled to give the keynote speech today and lay down the trade opportunities between the two countries and more particularly between Cebu and St.
Petersburg.

The two provinces signed a sisterhood partnership last September. Cebu is the only province in the Philippines to have signed a sisterhood agreement with St. Petersburg, which is the second largest and most progressive city in Russia next to Moscow.

About 400 local and international delegates are expected to attend the business and exhibition forum, which is also participated in by Russian cities Moscow and Vladivostok.

“This year’s event promises to be a useful venue for prestigious business groups to network and explore opportunities that will expand trade and investments between the two countries,” said Russian ambassador to the Philippines Vitaly Vorobiev.

The business forum will have sessions and roundtable discussions on mining and energy; education and culture; tourism and wellness; labor, placement, and outsourcing; retirement facilities, and real estate development; and trade promotion and development.

A one-on-one business matching and meeting between exhibitors and investors will also be conducted.

In cooperation with major export business groups, the four-day event will also have an exhibition of Cebu’s best products ranging from accessories and houseware to designer clothes and furniture pieces. (PR)