Modern Russia: Strengths, Challenges and New Prospects - A Perspective from the Government Russia's strong economic performance and growing assertiveness on the world stage is a key factor reshaping the global power equation. 1) How will Russia continue to strengthen its economic and geopolitical position in global affairs? 2) What is the role of a strong state in assuring stable development for Russia? What should the country do to stimulate investment in infrastructure development and encourage diversification? 3) How will WTO accession impact Russia's role in the global economy? • Herman Gref, Minister of Economic Development and Trade of the Russian Federation • Valentina I. Matvienko, Governor of St Petersburg, Russian Federation Introduced by • Klaus Schwab, Founder and Executive Chairman, World Economic Forum Opening Remarks by • Dmitry Medvedev, First Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Chaired by • Lionel Barber, Editor, Financial Times, United Kingdom