Alexander Stuglev, Chairman of the Board & CEO of the Roscongress Foundation, has been a prominent figure in organising congresses and conferences since 1996. In 2006, he took the helm of Restek Congress, the operational company for the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF). He then played a key role in its rebranding under the guidance of the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade of the Russian Federation.

In 2007, Mr. Stuglev became Executive Director of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum Foundation, rising to Director of the SPIEF Foundation in 2009. His leadership expanded in 2018 when he became Chairman of the Board of the Roscongress Foundation and also assumed the chairmanship of the National Congress Bureau Association.

In 2020, he joined the Organizing Committee of the All-Russian Masters of Hospitality competition. Since February 2021, he has chaired the Committee for the Development of Digital Platforms and Congress and Exhibition Activities of the Russian Automobile Federation.

Under his leadership, the Roscongress Foundation has successfully organized dozens of major congress and exhibition events, both in Russia and internationally. These high-profile gatherings have included top state officials, government leaders, heads of corporations, business professionals, media representatives, and figures from science and art. Notable events include the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, the Eastern Economic Forum, Russian Energy Week, the Russian Investment Forum, and Russian Creative Week. The Foundation has also orchestrated business forums in Uruguay, Iran, Great Britain, Cuba, and other foreign countries, in addition to managing events for the Russian Federation’s Chairmanship in APEC, the Group of Twenty, the SCO, and the BRICS association.

The main economic event in Russia, SPIEF 2025 concluded recently. Mr. Alexander Stuglev shares his insights on the forum’s objectives and outcomes in an interview with OERLive:

Question: The theme of this year’s SPIEF is “Shared Values: The Foundation of Growth in a Multipolar World.” How do you think the forum will contribute to the formation of new models of international cooperation and attracting investment in long-term projects?

SPIEF is undoubtedly one of the leading global business platforms today. This year’s event attracted nearly 25,000 participants from 144 countries, demonstrating its significant reach. It serves as an unparalleled platform where participants can engage in a dialogue as equals on pertinent issues facing the global economy and world order. It’s an excellent environment for building business relationships and fostering dialogue between countries, and the chosen theme perfectly encapsulates this vision.

Question: What are the key sectors of the Russian economy showcased at SPIEF 2025, and which of them are most attractive for foreign investors?

If you examine the agenda and structure of SPIEF, you will find that it presents almost every sector of Russia’s economy, along with the significant opportunities which they offer for foreign investors. To give you a few examples, the Roscongress Centre of Innovation showcases cutting-edge technologies, while the Agriculture cluster highlights opportunities in food security. The Ministry of Sports also displayed multiple offerings related to the business of sports. Traditional sectors like Oil & Gas, Banking & Finance, Transport & Communication, Information Technology, Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals, and many others also had a robust presence at the Forum.

Question: What platforms and initiatives at SPIEF will promote technological partnership between Russian and foreign companies?

Innovation is a major focus area for SPIEF 2025. As I mentioned, the Roscongress Centre of Innovation is a prime example, showcasing key technologies and projects in fields like AI, digital solutions, machine learning, and various applications. Overall, Russia’s vision for high-technology sectors is prominently displayed, emphasizing the attractive opportunities available for foreign investors in these areas.

Question: What distinguishes SPIEF 2025 from previous forums, especially in the context of the global shift towards multi-polarity?

This year’s forum builds upon the success of previous events while incorporating several elements that truly distinguish it and strengthen its offerings. For instance, Bahrain is the Guest Country of SPIEF 2025, and they have a strong and visible presence at the forum. Additionally, a number of specialized clusters effectively showcase various sectors of Russia’s economy, ranging from Information Technology to Agriculture, and Healthcare to Energy. We are proud to host participants from 144 countries, representing all corners of the world—including the USA, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America.

Question: What were your key expectations from SPIEF 2025 and how do you evaluate its success?

SPIEF 2025 clearly demonstrated the strengths and opportunities inherent in Russia’s economy. Moreover, the overarching theme of “Shared Values in a Multipolar World” underscored a fundamental truth that without building trust, we cannot effectively conduct business with each other. Therefore, we urgently need policies and norms that make it convenient and comfortable for everyone in the world to interact and do business without unnecessary constraints.

We must recognize that our world is truly small, and Earth is the only planet which we have; there is no ‘planet B.’ So, we need to preserve our natural resources and maintain political dialogue, as the issues facing the world are transnational, and their solutions demand a joint effort from all countries. We should prioritize dialogue and cease hostilities that are destroying global business value chains.

SPIEF 2025 also coincides with the 80th anniversary of VE Day (Victory in Europe Day), serving as a powerful reminder of how Russia, the US, France, the UK, and others came together for the common good of the world. Furthermore, they achieved remarkable growth in the post-war decades. In recent years, we have observed an erosion of that trust and those collaborative processes, and it is imperative that these are restored.