"The traditional forum in St. Petersburg has opened today, and it is becoming more and more important for our country and for our partners from abroad," Putin said during a meeting on economic issues, which he convened on the first day of SPIEF 2025.
During the meeting, the Russian president proposed discussing ways to ensure balanced economic growth.
"I suggest we talk about our possible actions in the near future, talk about possible legislative innovations to enhance and complement our efforts to develop the economy and social sphere of regions throughout Russia," Putin also said.
The Russian city of St. Petersburg will host the 28th edition of SPIEF from June 18-21 under the theme of "Shared Values: The Foundation of Growth in a Multipolar World." Rossiya Segodnya international media group, Sputnik's parent company, is the forum's information partner.