Prime Minister Vladimir Putin sent a message to delegates of the Third Pacific Economic Congress
The message said, in part:
"Your forum has won the reputation of an authoritative and effective platform facilitating dialogue between governments and the business community, and between Russian and foreign business circles.
"Expanded trade and economic ties with Asia-Pacific states are a high-priority aspect of Russia's state policy. This is becoming particularly important during preparations for the 2012 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, scheduled to be held in Vladivostok.
"I am confident that the current congress will make a substantial contribution to implementing major investment, cultural and infrastructure projects in the Far East, and will facilitate the dynamic development of this strategic Russian region."
