Ahmed Moustafa writes
The East Economic Forum (EEF) in Vladivostok fm 11-13 September 2023 will focus on regional economic integration, sustainable development, and the shifting global trade landscape.
The most important delegations participating in this large regional forum this year come from about seven countries, in addition to Russia, the organizing country, namely (China, India, South Korea, North Korea, Myanmar, Armenia and Mongolia).
The forum will address issues such as air and water pollution, deforestation, climate change, green initiatives, renewable energy investments, and sustainable urban development. It will also address the implications of protectionist measures and trade tensions on East Asian economies, aiming to create a more seamless business environment and address the challenges and opportunities in the region.
The East Economic Forum in Vladivostok will focus on free trade agreements, trade facilitation measures, and diversifying export markets to reduce dependence on single trading partners.
The forum will also address investment in East Asia, attracting FDI and promoting domestic investment, and public-private partnerships. The forum will also discuss cultural exchange and tourism promotion, promoting sustainable tourism strategies and cultural heritage.
Geopolitical dynamics will be assessed, with discussions on managing regional security challenges and finding common ground. The forum will also address the digital divide within East Asia, focusing on policies and initiatives to promote inclusivity and share the benefits of the digital revolution. The forum will also explore partnerships between East Asian economies and external partners, promoting mutually beneficial relationships in the modern world.
The Forum attracted over 7,000 participants from 68 countries, including Russia, and 1,700 business representatives. Over 100 events were held, with over 750 speakers and moderators. A record number of investment agreements were signed, totaling RUB 3.272 trillion, covering infrastructure, transport, mineral deposits, construction, industry, and agriculture.
PROJECTS AT THE RUSSIAN FAR EAST
The Free Port of Vladivostok (FPV) is an area where investors can benefit from special customs, tax, and administrative regulations.
An advanced special economic zone (ASEZ) is a zone within a federal subject of the Russian Federation that has been granted specific legal status to facilitate entrepreneurial activity.
A special administrative region (SAR) is an area offering flexible tax and currency regulations for companies that have decided to relocate to Russia from a foreign jurisdiction.
Kim Jong Un and Putin plan to meet at the Eastern Economic Forum to discuss strategic matters
North Korea’s Kim Jong-un plans to visit Russia this month to discuss supplying Russia with more weaponry for its war in Ukraine and other military cooperation. Kim will travel from Pyongyang to Vladivostok, Russia, possibly by armored train, and may also visit Moscow.
Putin and Kim are set to attend the Eastern Economic Forum at Far Eastern Federal University in Vladivostok from 10-13 September 2023, discussing possible arms deals. Putin wants North Korea to send Russia artillery shells and antitank missiles, while Kim seeks advanced satellite and nuclear-powered submarine technology. Both leaders are also seeking food aid for North Korea.
The US has received new intelligence about a planned meeting between Russia and North Korea, despite previous warnings. The intelligence has not been declassified or downgraded, and officials have not been authorized to discuss it. The US expects “leader-level diplomatic engagement” on arms sales between Russia and North Korea.
The US has called on North Korea to cease arms negotiations with Russia and uphold its commitments not to supply or sell arms to Russia, citing previous warnings about planned transfers of North Korean artillery shells.
For your information, the keenness to hold this forum annually comes in response to the so-called “Indian and Pacific initiative” that America is trying to implement with each of (Japan, Australia and India) to strike at the plans of Russia and China that seek to create a new and balanced world order, as well as their initiatives “The Road and the Belt – Group BRICS Plus – Shanghai Cooperation Organization”.
