Development centre shifts to Asia, Russia needs to be closer

According to the Russian leader, Peter the Great opened the window into Europe precisely because this is where the main development was seen

The world development centre is shifting to Asia, Russia needs to be closer to it, President Vladimir Putin said at the plenary session of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF).

“The centre of world development is there. And, of course, we need to be closer to these centres,” he said.

According to Putin, Peter the Great opened the window into Europe precisely because this is where the main development was seen. “The centre of world development today is shifting to Asia, there is no doubt about it. And, of course, we need to be closer to these centres of development,” the president said.

The St. Petersburg International Economic Forum takes place on June 5-8. This year’s theme is “The Formation of New Areas of Growth as the Cornerstone of a Multipolar World.” Scheduled events include meetings for small and medium-sized businesses, creative industries, the SPIEF Youth Day, as well as the Drug Security, SPIEF Academy and SPIEF Junior forums. SPIEF is organized by the Roscongress Foundation.