On January 24, a business mission of Russian entrepreneurs has begun its work in Bratislava (Slovakia), organized by the Moscow Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The delegation from the Moscow Chamber of Commerce and Industry was headed by its President, Mr. Vladimir Platonov.
The mission’ work commenced with the “Bratislava-Moscow” Business Forum, which was attended by the President of the Bratislava Regional Office of the Slovak Republic Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Igor Yunas, Trade Representative of the Russian Federation in Bratislava, Ms. Ekaterina Belyakova, as well as entrepreneurs from the two countries.
Opening the Forum, Mr. Yunas expressed the hope for a long-term, fruitful cooperation between the two regions. Mr. Platonov, in his welcoming speech, noted that our two countries share a long-standing, cordial relationship. He specially mentioned the Commission on Foreign Economic Cooperation, which works at the MCCI with partners from the VisegrádGroup, including Slovakia.
“It is gratifying to see the Slovakian businessmen here, who came to the Forum to learn about Moscow, its economic environment, and, possibly, to find partners here.” Mr. Platonov informed the Slovakian colleagues about the work of the Chamber and the main directions for its development. In particular, the Head of the Moscow Chamber of Commerce and Industry noted that there is an active formation of Guilds and Committees within the Chamber, which function as experts’ platforms for discussing the main industry issues, while building a dialogue between business and government. In addition, Mr. Platonov introduced the “Business Market” resource to the Forum participants, which was launched by the Moscow Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
“The Chamber has created and is enhancing a digital platform, where one can find a partner from different regions of Russia, as well as other countries,” said the President of the Moscow Chamber of Commerce and Industry. “The MCCI invites each Chamber of Commerce and Industry to join in our project, regarding it as an “entry point” for entrepreneurs into our markets. We have already concluded a number of agreements, by which Chambers of Commerce and Industry confirmed their desire to develop this resource, useful for establishing interregional and interstate economic ties.
The Forum included a presentation of the Slovak Investment and Trade Development Agency (SARIO). Mr. Tomas Shandor, consultant to the foreign trade department of the Agency, noted that they have long and successfully cooperated with various Russian public organisations engaged in supporting business, as well as with the Moscow Export Center. “Cooperation with the Moscow Chamber of Commerce and Industry opens up new horizons for the development of our economic, trade and business ties,” said Mr. Shandor.
At the conclusion of the Forum, a Memorandum of Mutual Understanding was signed between the “Moscow Chamber of Commerce and Industry” and the Bratislava regional branch of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Republic of Slovakia. Mr. Platonov and Mr. Yunas signed the document.
Afterwards, a number of B2B negotiations between Russian and Slovak businessmen took place, during which prospects for bilateral cooperation were discussed.