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US Companies Reportedly Set to Participate in St. Petersburg’s International Economic Forum

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Lucile Brizard
Lucile Brizard
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US Companies Reportedly Set to Participate in St. Petersburg’s International Economic Forum
On April 1, 2025, the onion domes of St. Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow are seen in front of the US Capitol at Mini World in Lichtenstein. (Source: Getty Images)

American companies have submitted applications to participate in the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) in 2025 held from June 18 to 21.

The Russian Roscongress Foundation noted on April 3, that Anton Kobyakov, executive secretary of the SPIEF organizing committee, recently met with Robert Agee, president and CEO of the American Chamber of Commerce in Russia, to discuss potential collaboration and the involvement of American companies in the event.

According to Roscongress, several American companies have already applied, reflecting their interest in participating. The previous SPIEF took place in June 2024.

“Despite the reduced presence of American companies at the forum after 2021, representatives of the US business community continue to participate in the event, and a number of companies are expected to participate in 2025. Initiative applications have already been received, which confirms interest in dialogue and interaction,” the Roscongress statement said.

The American Chamber of Commerce in Russia actively collaborates with the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs, the Russian Direct Investment Fund, and the Agency for Strategic Initiatives.

The American Chamber plans to integrate into the business program of SPIEF-2025 and stated it fully supports initiatives aimed at restoring partnerships. The possibility of organizing a roundtable as part of SPIEF-2025 is also under consideration according to the Roscongress statement.

The parties discussed the current state and prospects of business cooperation. Anton Kobyakov emphasized: “Russia is open to partnership, and companies wishing to return can do so on a competitive basis within the current legal framework. It is important that this process is transparent, and that businesses adhere to the principles of good faith and responsibility.”

Robert Agee confirmed the American Chamber of Commerce in Russia’s intention to maintain cooperation and stated that the foundation of a multipolar world rests on the shared values of people and business communities across different nations, stated Roscongress.

“It is important that companies that continue to operate in Russia have clear and transparent conditions for developing their activities. Business is always focused on growth, finding new solutions and partnerships” he said, adding “I also plan to talk in Washington about the opportunities that Russia provides to American companies, not only in such areas as innovative solutions in medical safety and ESG.”

In related news, the US Department of the Treasury removed Karina Rotenberg, the wife of Russian billionaire Boris Rotenberg, from its sanctions list on April 2. She had been sanctioned in March 2022, shortly after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

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