"Russia is one of the few economies that will grow this year by 4 or 5 percent," said Thierry Malleret, World Economic Forum director for Europe and Central Asia.

Malleret is one of the leading organizers for the Russia Meeting 2001 which will take place October 29 to 30 in Moscow. Top Russian officials and key members of the Russian establishment will be brought together during this special event which will address trends, new developments and growing opportunities in the Russian market.

"The goal of the meeting is three fold," said Malleret.

For one, the presence of the Foreign Investors Advisory Council (FIAT), will be significant in regrouping 26 working companies, all of which have exposure in Russia. In addition, participation from these international companies will help widen the scope of traditional FIAT gatherings, Malleret said.

"We hope that influences from the West will exercise a multiplier effect," Malleret said.

As one of the world's leading emerging markets, Russia has seen an improvement in its investment climate in the last few months. "The World Economic Forum will inform investors of the true state of Russia's investment climate and serve as a sounding box to potential investors," Malleret said.

The third goal of the meeting is to develop a long-term plan for economic growth. "We want to explore ways to contribute to lowering the cost of capital," Malleret said.

In the end, Malleret hopes that the interaction between key officials, including Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation, Mikhail M. Kasyanov, Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, and established and emerging Russian business leaders, will positively impact the business environment in Russia.