Latest news with #SPIEF
Daily Tribune
06-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
HH Shaikh Nasser's High-Level Talks with President Putin Cement Next Phase of Bahrain-Russia Relations
The Foreign Affairs Committee of the Russian State Duma has praised Bahrain's participation as the Guest of Honour at the 2025 St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), held from June 18 to 20. The commendation came during a special session held to discuss Bahrain's participation in the forum. The meeting was attended by Bahrain's Ambassador to Russia, Ahmed Abdulrahman Al-Saati, Russian MP and Bahrain-Russia Friendship Committee member Andrei Svintsov, along with several ambassadors, lawmakers, and figures from the economic and media sectors. Speakers highlighted that Bahrain's involvement reflects the strength of its 35-year diplomatic relationship with Russia and opens the door for deeper economic and political cooperation. They also acknowledged Bahrain's growing international standing, thanks to the wise leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. Ambassador Al-Saati reaffirmed Bahrain's commitment to strengthening ties with Russia for the benefit of both nations, guided by the vision of His Majesty the King and the directives of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. He also pointed to the positive outcomes of meetings held by His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa—Representative of HM the King for Humanitarian and Youth Affairs—with Russian President Vladimir Putin and other senior officials. Several agreements and memorandums of understanding were signed during the forum, marking a new chapter in Bahrain-Russia relations.
Memri
03-07-2025
- Business
- Memri
Afghan Taliban Aims To Help Russia's Labor Crisis
Moscow is increasing its cooperation with rogue states and regimes, against a background of confrontation with the West. In a move marking a significant geopolitical and domestic policy shift, Russia has officially suspended its ban on engaging with the Afghan Taliban, drawing closer to cooperation with Afghan authorities. One motive for this growing cooperation is to offset Russia's labor shortage with Afghan workers. However, this policy of the Kremlin's does not find favor among patriotic and nationalist groups, especially given growing interethnic tensions. On April 17, 2025, Russia's Supreme Court suspended the country's ban on Taliban activities in Russia. The decision came into force on May 26, and was quickly followed by a gathering on June 18-21, when a delegation from the Taliban movement attended the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum 2025 (SPIEF). The official delegation of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan attends the SPIEF-2025, St, Petersburg. (Source: Kirill Zykov / RIA Novosti via Parlamentskaya Gazeta media).[1] After the conference, the head of the Russian Business Centre in Afghanistan, Rustam Khabibullin, in an interview with Baza media, stated that the Taliban delegation had agreed at the forum to bring 1,000 Afghan workers to regions in Russia.[2] According to Baza, one hundred Afghan citizens were already working at construction sites in Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Tatarstan. Khabibullin noted that the majority of such workers are "installers, welders, painters, electricians and other highly qualified specialists." It's expected that the new group of Afghan workers will be employed in Chechnya, Dagestan, and Krasnodar Krai. In addition, Khabibullin stated that "a group of construction specialists from Afghanistan" will be deployed in the "liberated Russian territories - DPR and LPR."[3] The Head of the Russian Business Centre asserted that Afghan construction specialists would be tasked with "clearing the territory and restoring infrastructure." "There is a great need for Afghan specialists in Russia," concluded Rustam Khabibullin.[4] Indeed, Russia is experiencing a severe labor shortage, exacerbated by a difficult demographic situation, ongoing hostilities in Ukraine, and growing social tensions towards migrants. By the end of 2024, according to Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak, the shortage of qualified personnel in Russia had reached 1.5 million people (relying on data from Russia's Labour Ministry). The greatest demand is in construction, transportation, housing, and the communal services sectors.[5] At the same time, Rosstat[6] assessed the general labor shortage indicator at 2.2 million people.[7] With these numbers in mind, several specialists interviewed by Kavkazskii Uzel media assessed the news about the possible arrival of 1,000 Afghan workers as a purely political gesture indicating Moscow's new disposition towards Kabul.[8] For instance, political scientist Denga Khalidov noted that Russia is simply making "a soft diplomatic step towards Afghanistan," demonstrating its readiness for cooperation. "I doubt that a thousand workers from Afghanistan can solve the shortage of construction workers in Russia," concluded the political scientist.[9] Professor of the Department of Economic and Social Geography of Russia at Moscow State University Natalia Zubarevich agrees: "This is a drop in the ocean. Here are the numbers: last year 47,000 foreign specialists were attracted to Russia. In total, we have 72 million people employed (in the economic sector) – I'm talking about the skilled labour force." According to the professor, Chechnya and Dagestan alone require a greater number of workers than those arriving from Afghanistan.[10] The official delegation of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan at SPIEF-2025, St, Petersburg. (Source Maxim Bogodvid/RIA Novosti, via media).[11] This is happening against a backdrop of growing social tensions towards foreign workers and an unprecedented tightening of immigration laws in Russia. For instance, according to the Levada polling agency report of May 16, 2025, two thirds of respondents (66%) believe that migrants increase the crime rate; more than half stated that migrants take jobs from Russians (56%); every second respondent thinks that migrants "destroy" Russian culture (52%); every other respondent disagreed with a statement that migrants in general contribute to the development of the Russian economy (51%). Most respondents believe that the Russian government should limit the influx of immigrants (70%).[12] Thus, news about the arrival of specialists from Afghanistan caused discontent in patriotic groups. For example, the largest nationalist organization in the country, the "Russian Community," via its Telegram account, wondered how many of these Afghan workers took part in hostilities in their own country and "overthrew the existing legitimate regime there," or were involved in terrorist and sabotage activities. "It's not clear in what way the Afghan laborers are better than the local workers and why such a need vise of the people's friendship continues to squeeze Russia with its steel spikes," concluded the group.[13] The post attracted over 7,000 views. The fascist and monarchist "Sons of Monarchy" Telegram channel managed by Russian nationalist Roman Antonovski, agreed: "Russia needs Afghan migrants even less than Tajik ones. They are even deported from Iran and Pakistan. Perhaps we should consider the negative experience of these countries, which have faced the fact that [streams of] Afghan migrants and refugees are swarmed with criminals, Islamists and saboteurs?" The post gathered more than 12,000 views.[14] In yet another post dedicated to the issue, Antonovski predicted that Afghan migrants would become an even bigger problem for Russia than Tajik ones, dubbing the initiative "suicide, sabotage, and provocation."[15] Another voice came from the neo-Nazi "NSN - Sector Rus," which greatly exaggerated the news, writing about a "massive influx of migrant workers from Afghanistan."[16] In turn, a corresponding post by the xenophobic "Manynational" Telegram channel gathered an absolute majority of negative and indignant reactions, with more than 166,000 views. A screenshot by the xenophobic and nationalist "Manynational" Telegram channel dedicated to the Taliban delegation's visit to the SPIEF-2025. The overwhelming majority of users left mocking, angry or indignant reactions to the news that Afghan workers would be invited to Russia. (Source: Telegram Manynational).[17] Objective measures of the Russian economy indicate that an influx of foreign labor is required. Yet many patriotic groups, amid rising nationalism and worsening interethnic relations, oppose foreign workers on Russian soil. It is safe to assume that antagonism to the state policy in this sphere by nationalist groups will only grow.
Daily News Egypt
02-07-2025
- Science
- Daily News Egypt
Russia and China to jointly produce mass spectrometers by year-end
Russia and China will launch the joint mass production of mass spectrometers based on femtosecond lasers by the end of the year, the president of the Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Aleksander Kuleshov, announced. Speaking in an exclusive commentary at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) 2025, Kuleshov explained the division of labour in the project. The Russian side is responsible for the spectrometer itself, while the Chinese side is responsible for the femtosecond laser. A mass spectrometer is a device for analysing the composition of substances at a molecular level, allowing for a precise determination of which elements or compounds are in a sample. A femtosecond laser is a source of ultra-short laser pulses that provides high accuracy in measurements. Kuleshov emphasised that the project is being implemented through real technological cooperation with several Chinese universities, not just at the level of memorandums. 'This will be truly mass and, most importantly, inexpensive spectrometry,' Kuleshov said at the TV BRICS studio in the Roscongress International Cooperation Area. He noted that despite a popular belief that mass spectrometers are exclusively scientific equipment, they are in fact widely used for applications including product quality control. Kuleshov also emphasised that joint initiatives within BRICS give Russia access to a wider market.
Daily News Egypt
02-07-2025
- Business
- Daily News Egypt
Honduras considers BRICS as part of shift towards multipolar cooperation, minister says
Honduras considers the BRICS group of nations as part of a shift towards multipolar cooperation and may apply for full membership in the future, the country's minister of strategic planning said. Speaking at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) 2025, Ricardo Salgado Bonilla said the country has a growing interest in global platforms that promote inclusive and equitable cooperation. He said the forum, held under the motto 'Common Values – the Basis for Growth in a Multipolar World,' offers an environment 'that is inclusive, where we can talk about our expectations with people who are interested in investment.' In an exclusive commentary, the minister discussed Honduras' recent application to join the BRICS New Development Bank (NDB), framing it as a step towards broader international cooperation. 'So for us it's a big step to take a look at the world to go and ask for being a part of this new bank, and, why not in the coming future also applying for a membership in BRICS,' he said at the TV BRICS studio in the Roscongress International Cooperation Area. Honduran President Xiomara Castro submitted an official request for the country to join the New Development Bank of BRICS during her visit to China in June 2023.
Daily News Egypt
02-07-2025
- Business
- Daily News Egypt
Russia's Putin says BRICS now 40% of global economy, calls for new growth model
The BRICS group of nations now accounts for 40% of the global economy, Russian President Vladimir Putin said, adding that the world is undergoing its most significant transformation in decades. Speaking at the plenary session of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), Putin said the influence of the BRICS countries has grown from 20 per cent of the global economy at the beginning of the century. He said Russia is proposing a new model of growth that is open, fair, free, focused on citizens' needs, and considers national interests. 'Russia invites its partners to contribute to the formation of a new global growth model, to jointly ensure the prosperity of our countries and the stable development of the whole world for many, many years to come,' the president said. Putin recalled that at the BRICS summit in Kazan, 35 countries noted the need for a new model of the world. He emphasised that dozens of countries are already implementing large-scale projects in nuclear energy, AI, aviation, and IT, and that trade between these countries has exceeded US$1 trillion. He also outlined key structural changes in the Russian economy, focusing on technological flexibility and high speed of implementation of solutions. Other world leaders at the forum echoed the theme of a changing global order. South African Deputy President Paul Mashatile emphasised that the topic of multipolarity is central in a changing world. He noted the active cooperation between Russia and South Africa in BRICS and the G20 and called Russia a key player in areas such as energy, food security, artificial intelligence and space. Mashatile focused on the growing demographic and industrial role of Africa. 'Africa is looking for partnerships based on equality, equal access to capital markets, knowledge and technology. It is in this regard that global platforms such as the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum become particularly important for us,' he said. The deputy president recalled that the continent's population will exceed 2.5 billion by 2050 and emphasised Africa's commitment to digital transformation, regional integration and the creation of a free trade area. Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang said that China will continue to promote a policy of openness and strengthen economic cooperation with developing countries. 'The civilisations of the world must develop through mutual enrichment, based on equality, dialogue, and respect for diversity. Every nation has the right to choose its own path and realise its own values,' he emphasised. National Security Advisor Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa of Bahrain thanked Russia for the invitation to the forum, recalling the King of Bahrain's visit to Moscow in May 2024 and stressing the importance of dialogue with President Putin. The sheikh praised Russia's economic policy, especially in the areas of industry and energy. 'This policy plays an important role in the development of strategically important sectors of the economy. […] It has a positive impact on the international investment climate. Russia is strengthening its economic relations with countries in our region and other states,' he said. According to him, Bahrain aims to expand international partnerships, including with Russia.
