Tweet
26 January 2011
Last updated at 13:08 ET
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev is speaking at the official opening of the World Economic Forum, just two days after a bomb blast at a Moscow airport killed 35 people.
Mr Medvedev is using his speech to condemn those behind Monday's attack.
He said the terrorists had expected him to cancel his trip to Davos but had "miscalculated".
He also thanked world leaders for the messages of "condolence and solidarity" that he had received.
Before Mr Medvedev gave his address, WEF founder Klaus Schwab asked those gathered in the Congress Centre to observe a minute's silence in memory of the victims of Monday's attack.
His appearance before the global business elite is seen as an important chance to promote his country's massive privatisation programme.
Mr Medvedev also defended Russia against its critics.
"Russia is very often criticised. Sometimes the criticism is well-deserved, sometimes absolutely not," he stated, adding that Russia was rebuked for its lack of democracy, and the weaknesses of its legal and judicial systems.
But he said major changes were taking place to improve the investment climate in Russia and the quality of life.
"We are learning and willing to receive friendly advice. What we don't need is lecturing, we should be working together."
Restoring growth In an interview published in the Russian paper Vedomosti ahead of the annual meeting, he said Russia's task was to "promote the opportunities of our country".
"We really do want investment. We want a swift restoration of economic growth after the crisis."
Ahead of Mr Medvedev's speech, Russia's Deputy Prime Minister Igor Sechin appeared with BP chief executive Bob Dudley at a press conference, after the two had signed a strategic framework agreement.
Mr Sechin - who is also chairman of state energy firm Rosneft - told reporters that the privatisation programme was a "further step towards a market-based competitive economy" and would be "the basis of economic growth".
He said the modernisation of traditional industries such as mining and energy would be key.
As well as the BP deal, agreements have also been signed with General Electric to produce medical equipment and with Chevron on exploration, he said.
"We have no prejudices," Mr Sechin said. "Our only pre-condition is be equal in partnership."
Looking East One place considered a potential investment opportunity is Vladivostok, Russia's largest port city, seen as a commercial backwater for decades.
It is on the threshold of the fast-growing economies of Asia - 9,000km from Moscow but just 1,300km from Beijing.
The mineral riches of nearby Siberia and oil pipelines both travel West to markets in Europe.
Continue reading the main story RUSSIA BUSINESS REPORT
Russia Business Report is a television programme for BBC World News. Every month we take a look at the latest trends in the Russian economy and business world.
Watch the next programme on Saturday, 29 January at 0330 GMT and 1830 GMT and on Sunday, 30 January at 1130 GMT and 1830 GMT.
But now with growth in Asia burgeoning, the city has found renewed significance as Russia's shipping gateway to the East.
"Co-operation between Russia and Asia is already very diverse and includes natural resources such as energy and ore," says Alexander Abramov at the Far Eastern Centre for Economic Development.
"And of course, Russia will export everything the growing Chinese economy needs."
As the country works to redefine its trade relationships, it is also trying to woo foreign capital to boost the economy.
Vladivostok's proximity to markets in the East make it an ideal launchpad.
The Apec summit, a high profile meeting between Asia-Pacific leaders will take place here next year.
Image problems
Please turn on JavaScript. Media requires JavaScript to play.
Tanya Beckett looks at how Medvedev will be hoping to attract interest in Russia
Russia is desperate to present itself as open, modern and innovative but what concerns foreign companies most of all is the country's rule of law.
The recent second verdict against former oil tycoon Mikhail Khodorkovsky was seen by many foreign investors as a reminder of the all-pervasive nature of politics in Russia.
Russians themselves are well aware that how the country wishes to be perceived often finds itself at odds with how it is actually viewed.
Even within the Kremlin, the chief economic adviser to the president has admitted to an image problem.
This year, with an ambitious privatisation programme to get underway, Russia needs to put its best foot forward.
Its central role at the World Economic Forum in Davos will give important insights into how it plans to do that.
Powered By WizardRSS
Mr Medvedev is using his speech to condemn those behind Monday's attack.
He said the terrorists had expected him to cancel his trip to Davos but had "miscalculated".
He also thanked world leaders for the messages of "condolence and solidarity" that he had received.
Before Mr Medvedev gave his address, WEF founder Klaus Schwab asked those gathered in the Congress Centre to observe a minute's silence in memory of the victims of Monday's attack.
His appearance before the global business elite is seen as an important chance to promote his country's massive privatisation programme.
Mr Medvedev also defended Russia against its critics.
"Russia is very often criticised. Sometimes the criticism is well-deserved, sometimes absolutely not," he stated, adding that Russia was rebuked for its lack of democracy, and the weaknesses of its legal and judicial systems.
But he said major changes were taking place to improve the investment climate in Russia and the quality of life.
"We are learning and willing to receive friendly advice. What we don't need is lecturing, we should be working together."
Restoring growth In an interview published in the Russian paper Vedomosti ahead of the annual meeting, he said Russia's task was to "promote the opportunities of our country".
"We really do want investment. We want a swift restoration of economic growth after the crisis."
Ahead of Mr Medvedev's speech, Russia's Deputy Prime Minister Igor Sechin appeared with BP chief executive Bob Dudley at a press conference, after the two had signed a strategic framework agreement.
Mr Sechin - who is also chairman of state energy firm Rosneft - told reporters that the privatisation programme was a "further step towards a market-based competitive economy" and would be "the basis of economic growth".
He said the modernisation of traditional industries such as mining and energy would be key.
As well as the BP deal, agreements have also been signed with General Electric to produce medical equipment and with Chevron on exploration, he said.
"We have no prejudices," Mr Sechin said. "Our only pre-condition is be equal in partnership."
Looking East One place considered a potential investment opportunity is Vladivostok, Russia's largest port city, seen as a commercial backwater for decades.
It is on the threshold of the fast-growing economies of Asia - 9,000km from Moscow but just 1,300km from Beijing.
The mineral riches of nearby Siberia and oil pipelines both travel West to markets in Europe.
Continue reading the main story RUSSIA BUSINESS REPORT
Russia Business Report is a television programme for BBC World News. Every month we take a look at the latest trends in the Russian economy and business world.
Watch the next programme on Saturday, 29 January at 0330 GMT and 1830 GMT and on Sunday, 30 January at 1130 GMT and 1830 GMT.
But now with growth in Asia burgeoning, the city has found renewed significance as Russia's shipping gateway to the East.
"Co-operation between Russia and Asia is already very diverse and includes natural resources such as energy and ore," says Alexander Abramov at the Far Eastern Centre for Economic Development.
"And of course, Russia will export everything the growing Chinese economy needs."
As the country works to redefine its trade relationships, it is also trying to woo foreign capital to boost the economy.
Vladivostok's proximity to markets in the East make it an ideal launchpad.
The Apec summit, a high profile meeting between Asia-Pacific leaders will take place here next year.
Image problems
Please turn on JavaScript. Media requires JavaScript to play.Tanya Beckett looks at how Medvedev will be hoping to attract interest in Russia
Russia is desperate to present itself as open, modern and innovative but what concerns foreign companies most of all is the country's rule of law.
The recent second verdict against former oil tycoon Mikhail Khodorkovsky was seen by many foreign investors as a reminder of the all-pervasive nature of politics in Russia.
Russians themselves are well aware that how the country wishes to be perceived often finds itself at odds with how it is actually viewed.
Even within the Kremlin, the chief economic adviser to the president has admitted to an image problem.
This year, with an ambitious privatisation programme to get underway, Russia needs to put its best foot forward.
Its central role at the World Economic Forum in Davos will give important insights into how it plans to do that.
Powered By WizardRSS