Scenes From Russia's Landmark Business Forum
Thousands of business leaders and government officials from both Russia and abroad descended on St. Petersburg this week for the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), Russia's premier business and investment conference.
Held for the first time since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, officials hailed this year's event as a return to normal for both the economy and social life.
It also comes amid a time of of heightened political tensions between Moscow and the West that have chilled foreign investments in Russia.
And during his keynote speech, President Vladimir Putin reiterated his calls for Russians to get vaccinated against coronavirus, said Russia would open its doors to vaccine tourism, criticized rich nations for hoarding extra jabs and said he was serious about fighting climate change.
Here's a look at some of the most unique scenes from this year's three-day event:
Held for the first time since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, officials hailed this year's event as a return to normal for both the economy and social life.
It also comes amid a time of of heightened political tensions between Moscow and the West that have chilled foreign investments in Russia.
And during his keynote speech, President Vladimir Putin reiterated his calls for Russians to get vaccinated against coronavirus, said Russia would open its doors to vaccine tourism, criticized rich nations for hoarding extra jabs and said he was serious about fighting climate change.
Here's a look at some of the most unique scenes from this year's three-day event:
Organizers of SPIEF, which was canceled last year due to the coronavirus, limited attendance to 5,000, or half of the event's normal attendance. Guests were also required to present a negative PCR coronavirus test to gain entrance to the forum.
TASS
An opulent flower wall at the Uralkali booth pays tribute to Yuri Gagarin, whose historic spaceflight took place 60 years ago this year.
TASS
“Nobody in the world has conducted face-to-face events of this magnitude since the outbreak of the pandemic,” St. Petersburg Governor Alexander Beglov claimed.
TASS
The forum showcased new innovations like this robotic dog developed by Russian telecommunications holding ER-Telecom...
TASS
...as well as this prototype of SberAutoTech's FLIP self-driving vehicle.
TASS
Russian airlines like Aeroflot and Rossia hoped to encourage people to travel once again.
TASS
Sometimes you have to take a break from all the excitement around you.
TASS
Luckily, there were several spots to spend one's downtime between sessions.
TASS
St. Petersburg's historic architecture, including St. Isaac's Cathedral, served as a backdrop.
TASS
