SPIEF 2024
The 2024 edition of the St Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) takes place from June 5 to 8. The theme of this year's event is “The foundation of a multipolar world - forming new points of growth”.

Russia Interested in Opening Representative Offices of Country's Banks in Africa, MFA Says

The Russian city of St. Petersburg is hosting the 27th edition of SPIEF from June 5-8. Last year, the forum drew 17,000 participants from 130 countries and saw the signing of more than 900 agreements.
Sputnik
Russia is interested in opening representative offices of the country's banks in Africa, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said at the Saint Petersburg International Economic Forum 2024.

"As for opening representative offices of Russian banks in African countries, we do not rule out such a cooperation option. It depends not only on Russia but also on the interests of African partners, as well as legal peculiarities, national regulatory framework," she said, adding, "This topic is interesting for us, and we will cooperate with those African countries that also have a mutual interest in this."

SPIEF 2024
Trade in National Currencies is Key Step To Gain Critical Mass in Intra-BRICS Trade, Official Says
According to her, Russia also considers various options to simplify trade and financial transactions with African partners through central banks, working on options to increase settlements in national currencies.
In addition, the country is working on establishing direct interbank correspondent relations and building payment and settlement infrastructure resistant to external influence, she revealed.
On Wednesday, SPIEF 2024 kicked off in Russia under the theme Foundations of a Multipolar World: The Formation of New Areas of Growth. The event will last until Saturday.