I would like to welcome the participants and guests of this Forum.

It is opening, for the eleventh time, a new business season in Russia’s southern capital, drawing into its orbit leading experts and analysts, businessmen and representatives of non-governmental organisations from many countries and the heads of government authorities. Over the years, the Sochi Forum has become widely known not only here in Russia, but also far beyond its borders, acquiring the status of a major international business event that is looked forward to.

Traditionally, the agenda includes topical aspects of implementing investment strategies and improving the business climate in the Russian regions, as well as effective development of cooperation and partnership links. And, of course, your work needs to help meet the challenges of modernisation and technological renewal of the Russian economy, making it more competitive and implementing promising projects and initiatives.

I wish you success and all the best.

President of the Russian Federation
V. Putin

Participants of Forum "Sochi-2012" Heads of the largiest companies are participants of Forum "Sochi-2012".