Russian economic forum in London. Russian Rhapsody party.
Photo: Valery Levitin
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Between Leningrad and St. Petersburg
// Economic forum in London is losing top officials
Almost all state officials refused to participate in the Russian Economic Forum (REF) opening in Great Britain tomorrow, which caused a chain reaction. Even businessmen of no formal relation to the government, scared by the Kremlin’s disapproval of any speeches at the REF, began refusing to come to London. Thus, only vice-presidents of Russian companies will discuss the situation in Russia and listen to Sergei Shnurov with Leningrad group in London’s club Ministry of Sound. However, it is likely to make the REF less posh, but more purposeful.
The Kremlin recommended not to speak at the Russian Economic Forum (REF), participating in the International Economic Forum in St. Petersburg in June instead, which triggered a chain reaction in Moscow’s offices and ministries. For instance, Minister of Economic Development and Trade German Gref and RAO “UES of Russia” head Anatoly Chubais decided to refrain from visiting London.
Head of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs (RSPP) Alexander Shokhin will not come either. Instead, the RSPP will be represented by its vice-president Igor Yurgens, who said that “recommendations to refrain from the forum concern state officials only”.
Among those who will nevertheless come to the REF, many will come unofficially. Only some CEOs openly declare they will take part, for instance Troika Dialog Group head Ruben Vardanyan and Evroset Chairman Evgeny Chichvarkin.
Yet, many companies will send their representatives to the REF anyway, even if CEOs of lower rank. It promises to make the forum in London extremely interesting, for the presence of top CEOs restricted the freedom of lobby discussions.
The REF’s key unofficial event, gala reception Russian Rhapsody, will entertain those who had the nerve to come to the forum, on April 23, in London’s most fashionable club Ministry of Sound, with Sergei Shnurov and Leningrad group.
www.kommersant.com
All the Article in Russian as of Apr. 21, 2007
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