The 7th Baikal Economic Forum, an annual international event devoted to economic development of the Far East, Siberia and Russia as a whole, opens in Irkutsk today. 

        During the three-day event, participants from more than 20 countries will discuss such important questions as energy cooperation, large investment projects, development of basic resources in the Siberian region and the construction of infrastructure and communication networks.

      The forum was opened by Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, who adressed a speech where stressed the forum's role in helping to promote Russian innovation and regional cooperation.

         A distinctive feature of BEF 2011 is broad participation of foreign representatives. This year, more than 1,000 participants are going to take part in the forum, including delegations from 17 countries (Kazakhstan, Poland, China, Japan, France, and South Korea among them). Delegations from Venezuela, Nicaragua, Colombia and Lithuania are attending the event for the first time. The Chinese delegation is traditionally the biggest one. Its members will discuss with their Russian counterparts mechanisms for supporting and financing investment projects in border areas.

      Shi Xiushi, chairman of the Financial and Economic Committee of China's National People's Congress, hailed the forum as an influential platform for promoting cooperation at both governmental and business levels.

      The Baikal Economic Forum that is held in Irkutsk for the 7th time has gathered parliamentarians, officials of relevant agencies and representatives of the business community.

      Traditionally, the second day will focus on the BEF Round Tables activity and the signing of a series of treaties and agreements. 

Sources: KP.ru ITAR-TASS Vesti.ru