U.S.-Russia Business Relations Take Center Stage at St. Petersburg Economic Forum

Next week’s St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) will include a panel discussion focused on business relations between Russia and the United States, organizers announced on Tuesday.

“Businesses are actively seeking ways to engage with each other, even amidst restricted political communication,” remarked Anton Kobyakov, a Kremlin advisor and chairman of the SPIEF 2025 organizing committee.

The annual economic event is scheduled to run from June 18 to 21. The discussion panel on Russia-U.S. relations, set for June 19, is characterized by SPIEF as a venue for “overcoming obstacles” and investigating collaboration opportunities in areas such as investment, energy, technology, and infrastructure.

“Particular emphasis will be placed on identifying effective mechanisms to implement promising initiatives and on sharing experiences and best practices that could contribute to sustainable economic growth,” the SPIEF website outlines.

Kobyakov referred to the forum as a “distinctive platform for practical and transparent dialogue, allowing Russian and U.S. business communities to address current issues and explore new paths for collaboration.”

The panel discussion will be moderated by Robert Agee, president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Russia (AmCham Russia), as noted on the forum’s website. Agee and Kobyakov previously spoke about the potential involvement of U.S. companies in SPIEF 2025 during a meeting in April.

Expected attendees at the Russia-U.S. panel include David Arthur Brown, an American musician and co-founder of Soyuz Microphones; blockchain fintech expert Daniel Wolfe; and Peter Lloyd O’Brien, CFO of Sibur Holdings.

The Kremlin has asserted that American and European firms still show interest in the annual economic forum, despite the ongoing sanctions and the conflict in Ukraine, although many prefer to keep their participation discreet.

Agee estimated that around 150 U.S. companies have exited Russia since the invasion in 2022, while approximately 150 others continue to operate within the country.

President Vladimir Putin is anticipated to deliver his annual keynote speech on the final day of SPIEF 2025, June 21.

The SPIEF is organized by the state-supported Roscongress Foundation.