ST. PETERSBURG, May 24 (RIA Novosti) - The global shortage of food and raw materials will be a key topic of discussion at the 12th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum to be held on June 6-8, the head of Sberbank said on Monday.
"This year's agenda includes processes related to market globalization and the protection of national economic interests," said German Gref, a former economics minister.
"Whereas previously we had to deal with a shortage of energy resources, now there is a shortage, in effect, of all categories of raw materials, as well as of food," he said.
The forum's participants will address models of harmonizing national and global market interests which will still be relevant 10 years from now, he said.
He said that on the second day of the forum, First Deputy Prime Minister Igor Shuvalov will present a report on Russia's strategy for foreign economic activity through 2020.
Gref said four of the forum's conferences will also discuss the main challenges facing Russia, specifically: diversification of the economy, investment in human resources, infrastructure development, and transparency of state institutions.
