Putin Says Asia-Pacific Is Global Growth Center, Far East Drew 25 Trillion Rubles in Investment
Russian President Vladimir Putin told the Eastern Economic Forum that the Asia-Pacific region has become a key engine of global economic growth and that Russia is keen to deepen investment and trade ties there. He said Russia's strategic vision is to turn the Far East into a hub for cooperation in economy, infrastructure, technology, talent development and social progress. Over the past 11 years, the region attracted about 25 trillion rubles in basic investment, with GDP more than doubling and growth in investment, industry and construction outpacing national averages.
Russian President Vladimir Putin told the plenary session of the Eastern Economic Forum on Wednesday that the Asia-Pacific region has become a major center driving global economic growth, and that Russia is actively participating in investment and trade cooperation there. Putin said Russia is willing to work with Asia-Pacific partners and leading integration organizations on an equal footing, with a strategic vision of turning the Far East into fertile ground for cooperation and transformation across the economy, infrastructure, technology, talent development and social progress.
Over the past 11 years, the Russian Far East has attracted about 25 trillion rubles (at roughly 87 rubles to the dollar) in basic investment, Putin said. The region has outperformed the national average in investment activity and in the pace of industrial and construction growth, with gross regional product more than doubling over the period.