Gerard Vittecoq participates in St. Petersburg International Economic Forum 2011

The 15th Annual International Economic Forum (SPIEF) in St. Petersburg, Russia is one of the world's leading discussion forums bringing together prominent politicians, corporate executives and experts to deliberate on key issues of the global economy. This year, the agenda included topics such as securing balanced growth, prospects for technology progress and bringing up a new generation of leaders. There was also focus on the modernization of the Russian economy and improving the investment climate in the country.

On June 16, Group President Gerard Vittecoq participated as a panelist in a business roundtable discussion focused on issues in the U.S.-Russia strategic economic partnership. The roundtable debated key questions like: Are the two governments ready to begin negotiations over a new format for basic U.S.-Russia trade agreement? What will the agreement contain and which areas will it cover?

The roundtable of distinguished speakers also included John Beyrle, U.S. Ambassador to the Russian Federation; Marthin De Beer, Senior Vice President, TelePresence, Emerging Technologies & Consumer Business, Cisco Systems Inc.; James Turley, Chairman and Chief Executive, Ernst & Young and many others.

For a full program and list of participants, visit the SPIEF website.