SPIEF 2026: A platform for discussing the global economic agenda
The 29th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum will take place in Saint Petersburg from June 3 to 6.
The motto of the upcoming event, “Pragmatic dialogue – the path to a stable future”, reflects a trend that is increasingly evident in international relations: states are seeking to rely more on economic interests than on political confrontation.
The forum, held since 1997, was initially established as a platform to showcase Russia’s investment potential and later evolved into a forum for discussing the global economic agenda.
Today, SPIEF is viewed as an alternative to the Davos Forum. The main difference is its focus on practical results. Participants at the event not only exchange views but also sign major investment agreements, develop new mechanisms of cooperation, and lay the foundation for long-term business ties.
Political scientist Sayfiddin Jurayev mentioned in an interview with UzA that the forum’s scope has expanded considerably in recent years.
Whereas the main participants were previously European states and Western companies, today the focus is on Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America. This indicates a profound transformation in international economic relations. The growing influence of BRICS countries and the group of states known as the Global South is also clearly reflected in the composition of participants.
The forum will consider topics such as the fragmentation of the global market, disruptions in supply chains, settlements in national currencies, the impact of artificial intelligence on the economy, energy security, and digital sovereignty. All of these are closely interconnected, as the global economy at the current stage is simultaneously undergoing both a technological revolution and a geopolitical transformation.
The SCO Business Forum, BRICS Business Forum, B20 Regional Dialogue and Small and Medium-Sized Business Forum will be held.
Today, many states are seeking to diversify their foreign economic ties, and SPIEF serves as a convenient platform for dialogue in this process.
What will SPIEF offer Uzbekistan?
In addition to serving as a platform for discussing global economic processes, the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum is increasingly important as a practical forum that helps achieve concrete economic results for Central Asian states. This trend is confirmed by the consistent increase in the participation of countries in the region in the forum in recent years.
According to Zarina Buronova, a master’s student at TSUOS, the priority tasks for Central Asia are attracting foreign investment, entering new markets, and expanding transport and logistics corridors. SPIEF creates a favorable environment for implementing these priorities. Participation in the forum by representatives of economic centers such as China, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, India, and Indonesia, along with Russia, enables the countries of the region to establish cooperation across several areas simultaneously.
As part of the forum, our country will have the opportunity to attract investment in industry, energy, agriculture, infrastructure, and high technology. Amid reforms aimed at diversifying the economy and developing the production of high-value-added goods, the importance of such events is growing.
For Uzbekistan, SPIEF is an important tool for expanding export potential. The forum offers an opportunity for direct dialogue with representatives of hundreds of companies and government delegations, helping establish new business contacts and identify strategic partners for local producers. Promising areas include the textile and food industries, the chemical industry, and the mining and metallurgical sector.
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization Business Forum, held as part of SPIEF, is also of great importance for Central Asia. All states in the region are members of the SCO, so this format offers an additional opportunity to advance multilateral cooperation on trade, transport, logistics, and infrastructure projects.
The forum plays a significant role in shaping the image of states in the international arena. Demonstrating openness, predictability, and commitment to reform for international business and investors is a decisive factor in attracting investment. Participation in SPIEF will help expand foreign economic opportunities, diversify export flows, and strengthen our country’s position on the global stage.
Musulmon Ziyo, UzA
