Some 400 bln rubles in deals signed during St Pete forum - minister
MOSCOW. May 28 (Interfax) - Deals worth some 400 billion rubles were signed during the St Petersburg International Economic Forum, despite more than 20 of the biggest companies staying away from the event under pressure from the U.S. government, Economic Development Minister Alexei Ulyukayev said.
"More than 20 heads of the biggest companies had to decline under direct pressure from representatives of the U.S. administration. Even so, you could say those fears were needless as the forum came off," he said at a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Ulyukayev said 157 deals worth 400 billion rubles were signed.
He said the forum lived up to its motto of 'building trust'.
"I'm more than pleased with this. To be honest, we had more than a few butterflies before it started, but there was no reason for all our concerns. The mood was very upbeat," he said.
"Thank heavens for that," the Russian president said.
