The meeting was opened by the Chairman of the AEB Board Johan Vanderplaetse. 

The Minister of Economic Development Maxim Oreshkin made a speech concerning the current situation in the Russian economy, the development of the business climate in Russia, foreign economic cooperation between Russia and the EU, and opportunities for foreign investors. 

Maxim Oreshkin stressed the importance of common investment projects in Russia and Europe, and also expressed his support of the initiative made by the European Commission to increase the share of the euro in the international economy.

He also noted that, despite all the existing problems, the attitude towards European business in Russia has never been politicized, and called for building honest, pragmatic relations with Russian partners.

The Minister’s speech ended with the signing of a Memorandum on deeper cooperation between the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation and the Association of European Businesses. On behalf of the AEB, the Memorandum was signed by the Chairman of the Board and the General Director.

The Memorandum should foster cooperation in order expand economic as well as investment relations between European countries and Russia, to promote the economic development of European countries and the Russian Federation, and to create a friendly environment for European companies in Russia.

The briefing was followed by a series of questions and answers, moderated by AEB CEO Frank Schauff. 

Representatives of the AEB member companies were interested in the situation around the localization of production, regulation of the automotive industry, reduction of administrative barriers and many other questions, to which comprehensive answers were received.

For more information please see the post-release