SPIEF 2025 opens amid global tensions

ST PETERSBURG, Russia: The 28th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) has officially opened today with the theme “Shared Values: The Foundation of Growth in a Multipolar World.” This year’s event brings together delegates from more than 92 countries, more than in previous years.

AI Brief

Russia uses SPIEF to deepen ties with Asia, BRICS, and the Global South, promoting a world beyond Western dominance.
The forum drives major trade deals in energy, tech, and infrastructure, signaling economic resilience despite sanctions.
SPIEF showcases Russia's message of independence and equal global partnerships in response to Western isolation.

The forum takes place at a time when the world is facing serious political tensions, including the war in Ukraine, the growing rivalry between the U.S. and China, and the rising conflict between Israel and Iran.

Growing Focus on the East and Global South

As Russia faces sanctions from the West, it is turning to Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Latin America, and BRICS countries for new partnerships. This year’s forum highlights strong participation from countries like China, India, Brazil, and South Africa. Bahrain is attending as the official guest country.

SPIEF has become an important part of Russia’s push for a multipolar world, one that moves away from Western economic leadership and encourages equal global partnerships.

Countries like India continue to build stronger ties with Russia, focusing on increasing trade and working together based on shared values.

Three Main Goals of SPIEF 2025

1. Strategic Change

SPIEF is helping Russia build a new kind of global economy — based on national independence, equal partnerships, and respect for different worldviews. The strong presence of leaders from non-Western countries shows that global alliances are shifting.

2. Economic Opportunities

In 2024, SPIEF led to over 980 agreements worth around US$75 billion. This year, the forum is expected to see big deals in energy, infrastructure, technology, and sustainability.

3. Political Messaging

Besides business, the forum is a platform for Russia to show that it remains strong and independent despite Western pressure. Many panel discussions focus on rejecting dominance by any one power and promoting a world with many centers of influence.

Why SPIEF Matters Now

* Ukraine and Sanctions: With the West putting economic pressure on Russia, SPIEF offers Russia a way to show it still has strong international partnerships.

* BRICS Growth: As the current BRICS Chair, Russia is using SPIEF to promote cooperation and build new global financial systems outside Western control.

* Middle East Relations: More Middle Eastern countries are joining SPIEF, looking for new markets and partners as they shift away from relying only on Western countries.

Looking Ahead

SPIEF 2025 is expected to show how Russia plans to stay relevant in a more divided world. But some key questions remain:

* Can the forum deliver real results, not just symbolic messages?

* Will Western businesses continue to stay out, or start coming back?

* Can SPIEF turn big promises into actual trade and investment?

This event is timed to coincide with visit to the SPIEF, organised by the Roscongress Foundation