Twenty premier pulp and paper companies are taking part in this year’s event, along with a wide range of key players in the domestic and international pulp and paper industries. The event also includes a comprehensive business programme centred around trends, prospects, and development opportunities for the pulp and paper industry (PPI).

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Alexandr Chukhlebov, Chairman of the Association of Specialists of the Pulp and Paper Industry, noted that holding this year's PAP-FOR at the new Expoforum Convention and Exhibition Centre takes the event to the next level, becoming the industry's main platform for networking and business expansion.

In his speech, Vladimir Chuyko, Chairman of the Board of Directors at Bumprom, stressed that the industry is facing numerous challenges that have to be addressed. Mr Chuyko believes that the PAP-FOR exhibition, which has gained credibility among PPI experts over the many years of its existence, gives all industry stakeholders an opportunity to unite their efforts and help to revitalise the Russian forestry sector.

The PAP-FOR International Exhibition is held in St Petersburg every two years. PAP-FOR 2014, the thirteenth such event, has been organised by Reed Exhibitions, a leading international convention and exhibition operator.