Russian-British Business Forum to Be Held in London despite Tensions

The fourth annual Russian-British Business Forum will be held in London in November amid an increase of trade turnover between the two countries by one third, Boris Abramov, Russia’s trade representative in the UK told RIA news agency.

“Since the end of 2016, the growth in trade turnover has been observed practically in all sectors. According to the latest data of the British Customs Service, in January-May 2018, trade with Russia totaled $5.26 billion and grew by 34.7% in comparison with January-May 2017,” Abramov said. He noted the growth of non-oil-and gas products in the structure of Russian exports to the UK but did not name any specific figures.

“In terms of direct accumulated British investment in Russia, the indicators came close to the pre-crisis level and amounted to $19 billion, compared with $22 billion in 2013. For reference, in 2014, the amount of direct accumulated British investment in Russia fell to $7 billion,” the trade representative said.

According to him, the 4th Russian-British Business Forum (RBBF), which is the largest annual Russian business event in London, will be held November 26-27 at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Center.

This year, the RBBF will become a platform for dialogue under the slogan “Partnership in Innovations”. More than 800 delegates representing government agencies, business, public organizations and development institutions of the two countries are expected to attend the forum.

The event is organized by the Russian Trade Mission in the UK with the support of Russian agencies involved in foreign trade, the Russian Embassy in the UK, the Roscongress Fund and more than 30 Russian and international partners. The Forum is held annually as part of the Eastern Seasons, a week of business and cultural Russian events in London.