An annual two-day business forum of the Russo-British Chamber of Commerce (RBCC), which brings together investors and experts from the two countries, has opened in London.
The opening ceremony of the forum, which is taking place this year under the slogan "Russia - A Wealth of Opportunities," was held on Wednesday at London's Royal Automobile Club. The main discussions and plenary sessions will take place on Thursday at the Institute of Directors on Pall Mall Street.
The chamber, which was established in 1916 with the goal of promoting trade cooperation between Britain and Russia, comprises about 500 companies and organizations from both countries and is funded by its members.
Russian Ambassador to Britain Alexander Yakovenko and British Ambassador to Russia Anne Pringle, as well as Prince Michael of Kent, the RBCC's patron, and David Wootton, an alderman of the City of London, will take part in Thursday's event.
Discussions will focus on Russia in the post-recession period and on the brink of parliamentary and presidential elections, on business opportunities provided by Russia as a host country of several international sporting competitions, including the 2014 Winter Olympics and the 2018 World Cup, as well as on challenges facing the Russian authorities' modernization program and their ambitious plans to turn Moscow into a global financial center.
The forum is taking place ahead of an annual visit by Lord Mayor of London Michael Bear to Russia, scheduled for June 26-30, which will focus on the development of business and economic cooperation between the countries.
