On 15 March, Expoforum Convention and Exhibition Centre launched the 10th St. Petersburg Partneriat for Small- and Medium-Sized Business – “St. Petersburg – Russian Regions and Abroad – one of the largest events in the Russian Northwest devoted to economic cooperation and the furtherance of interregional and international ties.

Welcoming event participants, St. Petersburg Governor Georgy Poltavchenko noted the striking success of the project: “The Partneriat continues to bring together increasing numbers of people: the inaugural event gathered some 200 participants from 30 Russian regions, whereas today, the figure stands at more than 1,800 delegates from 50 Russian regions and 23 countries from around the world. The continuing expansion  of the Partneriat’s geography confirms that we have managed to create a one-of-a-kind platform in Russia for dialogue between small- and medium-sized business ensuring the formation of close, mutually-beneficial ties. Most importantly, it allows for the establishment of contacts with big business, the identification of new sales opportunities, and the continuing output of Russian and foreign enterprises.”

The importance of such events providing a platform for experience-sharing was underscored by Irina Vlakh, Head of the Autonomous Territorial Entity of Gagauzia in the Republic of Moldova. “In Gagauzia, we have a number of interesting programmes for the support of small- and medium-sized business: tax holidays, special economic zones… we already have some successful field-tested solutions that we’d be happy to share.” Moreover, the speaker underscored the fact that over the past two years, partnership with St. Petersburg has had a dramatic impact on Gagauzia exports, which have risen by40%. 

Arkhangelsk Regional Governor Igor Orlov noted that participation in the Partneriat provides tremendous impetus for the advancement of all forms of entrepreneurship, giving small enterprises the opportunity to join global projects being led by big business – including those being implemented outside the country.

According to fond tradition, the 10th St. Petersburg  Partneriat for Small- and Medium-Sized Business is being held in conjunction with the Industrial Technical Fair, the exhibitions “High-Tech – Innovations and Investments” and Automechanika St. Petersburg, “Harvest” Northwestern Agricultural Week, and the specialised conference “Promtech.” The cornerstone event is expected to be “Export Day,” where participants will get a first-hand look at the forms and methods of support to be unveiled on the eve of the opening of the Export Centre at Lenexpo.