PARIS: French business circles’ representatives attending the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum believe that a free trade agreement with Russia is becoming a necessity.
Edi Perisic, CEO of Sodexo in Russia, told Sputnik that foreign companies operating on Russian market and are interested in establishing contacts and improving business relations cannot afford ignore the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.
“A great many businesses realize that Russian market is vital and strategically important. There’s also a common belief (among the foreign businesses) that the presence in Russia needs to be expanded. And I do believe that a free trade agreement with Russia is required. I believe that this forum helps voice all these ideas so that sanctions could finally be removed and we could invest further. I believe that common sense will prevail,” Perisic announced.
Patrick Pouyanné, chairman and CEO of Total, also remarked that his company made considerable investments in Russia, including a $30 billion investment into the Yamal LNG project which is a serious obligation for Total, and intends to stay the course despite sanctions.
“In industry it is important to stay the course and possess a long-term vision. We invest in Yamal with a 30-year perspective. Prices may rise and fall, sanctions may expire. We shall remain in Russia,” he said.
The St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) is an annual event that invariably draws the attention of major companies across the world. This year the forum was attended by a number of prominent dignitaries, including European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi and a host of executives from the world’s leading companies.
