Participation in the APEC SME Business Forum 2018

From November 27 to 28, 2018, the APEC SME Business Forum 2018 was held in the Chinese city of Shenzhen. The host city was not chosen at random — it is a vast metropolis with a population of 14 million people, more than a hundred skyscrapers, and one of the world's largest container seaports. Shenzhen is home to the offices of international technology giants, including Apple, Huawei, Samsung, and others.

Small and medium-sized enterprises are drivers of development and innovation in the APEC economies. They make a significant contribution to economic growth, as their share of GDP in most APEC economies ranges from 20 to 50 percent.

The Forum brought together officials and business representatives from APEC economies. The agenda covered a range of issues, from the development of national economies to specific projects. During meetings with Chinese partners, the parties discussed cooperation between small and medium-sized businesses of the two countries, promising industries and areas for engagement, the development of contacts between small businesses in Russian regions and Chinese provinces, and other matters.

Mikhail Derevyanko, a partner of KRIF (Kinetic Renewal Investment Fund), took part in the APEC SME Business Forum 2018 to establish partnership contacts on the international business stage. A meeting was held with Professor James Trevelyan of the School of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences at the University of Western Australia, who works on the development of robotics. James Trevelyan is well known worldwide for his pioneering research in robotics. He received the Engelberger Science and Technology Award in 1993 in Tokyo for research in robotics, and was twice awarded a prize by the Japan Robot Association for best papers at robotics conferences. During the meeting, Russian businessman Mikhail Derevyanko and the scientist discussed the development of robotics in China and the experience of applying robots in various areas of manufacturing.