Results of the Department for External Economic and International Relations’ Participation in SPIEF‑2026
From June 3 to 6, the 26th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum took place, in which the Department for External Economic and International Relations of Moscow traditionally participated.
The Department’s business programme at SPIEF‑2026 was comprehensive, covering key areas of international cooperation. Special attention was paid to developing cooperation with states in Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America, as well as expanding interregional cooperation and business contacts.
The main event was the Russia‑India Business Dialogue, moderated by Sergey Cheremin, Minister of the Government of Moscow and Head of the Department. The discussion focused on the implementation of the economic cooperation programme up to 2030, approved following high‑level talks in December 2025. Participants noted significant growth in trade turnover, approaching $70 billion, while emphasising the need for further diversification. Mechanisms for attracting investment, developing settlements in national currencies, and expanding business participation in joint projects were discussed. The high interest in Russian‑Indian cooperation was confirmed by the large number of participants and attendees, reflecting the relevance and demand for this area of international engagement.
During the Russia‑Thailand Business Dialogue, Sergey Cheremin presented Moscow’s experience in developing inter‑municipal cooperation and highlighted the resilience of interaction with Bangkok, based on the twinning agreement in place since 1997. The discussion covered prospects for investment cooperation, the development of transport and digital infrastructure, the implementation of smart city technologies, and new areas of cooperation in healthcare and the creative economy. It was also announced that Moscow Days in Thailand would be held in the second half of 2026, followed by the signing of a cooperation programme.
Department representatives also took part in a dedicated session on investment partnership with China, discussing industrial cooperation and the creation of technological alliances, including in artificial intelligence, pharmaceuticals, and urban infrastructure.
A significant part of the work was devoted to bilateral meetings with foreign partners. During negotiations with Daniela Cabello Contreras, Minister of Tourism of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, the development of tourism exchange and Venezuelan participation in Moscow’s cultural projects were discussed. In a meeting with Alejandro Arias Zarzuela, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Dominican Republic, the parties examined the country’s participation in the Festival of Cultures of Latin America and the Caribbean, to be held in Moscow in July, as well as the renewal of the cooperation programme with Santo Domingo.
A working meeting was held with the Ambassador of the Republic of Singapore to discuss prospects for cooperation in high technology, healthcare, and professional exchange, as well as participation in international events. Special attention was given to expanding cooperation with partners from the Middle East: during a meeting with a delegation from the Kingdom of Bahrain, the parties discussed increasing trade turnover and implementing joint investment projects, confirming mutual interest in developing business contacts.
As part of SPIEF‑2026, Sergey Cheremin held a working meeting with Walid Abdel Fattah Farghal Abdalla, Director General of the AIM Congress and AIM Global Foundation, discussing prospects for expanding the participation of Moscow companies in international investment and business events, as well as developing innovation cooperation.
During a meeting with a delegation from the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, prospects for investment cooperation, the participation of Indian companies in Moscow projects, and the development of cooperation in high‑tech sectors were discussed.
One of the forum’s outcomes was the signing of a cooperation programme between the Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation and the Business Council for Cooperation with India, aimed at developing educational and scientific initiatives, training personnel, and supporting business interaction.
A cooperation agreement was also signed between the Government of Moscow and the Government of the Republic of South Ossetia for 2026‑2028, providing for joint projects in infrastructure, urban governance, education, and culture. “The signed programme is systematic work for the next three years, aimed at achieving practical results and improving the quality of life,” noted Sergey Cheremin.
Additionally, Sergey Cheremin attended the plenary session with the participation of President of the Russian Federation V.V. Putin, where key issues of Russian and global economic development were discussed.
The results of the Department’s participation in SPIEF‑2026 confirmed the high level of Moscow’s international activity and its role as one of the centers shaping a new architecture of economic cooperation. The capital continues to consistently develop foreign economic ties, creating additional opportunities for business and strengthening partnerships with foreign countries on the basis of pragmatic and mutually beneficial dialogue.