Akshay DidwaniyaThe Alternative for Germany party is in touch with Kirill Dmitriev about a possible business forum linking Russia, the United States and Germany. More than 20 German companies have already asked to take part.
The AfD Dmitriev forum plan is moving ahead through direct contacts. The Alternative for Germany party (AfD) keeps in touch with Kirill Dmitriev. He serves as the Russian president’s special envoy for investment and economic cooperation with foreign countries. The talks focus on a possible business forum for Russia, the United States and Germany. Markus Frohnmaier, deputy head of the party’s group in the Bundestag, confirmed this.
Dmitriev says the idea already has backers
Dmitriev spoke about the plan earlier. He said he had already discussed a Russia, Germany and US business forum with the AfD and the American Chamber of Commerce. Both sides supported the idea, he added.
Interest from German firms is growing fast. Dmitriev said more than 20 requests to join the forum have arrived from German businesses. He described them as coming in “прямо шквалом” (a real barrage).
Frohnmaier confirms the contact
Frohnmaier shared an update with the newspaper Izvestia. He kept the details short and gave no venue or date.
“We maintain contact with Mr. Dmitriev. Information about the venues will be published in due course,” Frohnmaier said.
American Chamber of Commerce backs the concept
Robert Agee, director of the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) in Russia, also weighed in. He said the initiative has support, as does any constructive agenda that aims to rebuild business ties between Russia and other countries.
Agee stressed that the AfD Dmitriev forum is still at an early stage. He also said AmCham is ready to help if the project gets the green light.
“So far this is only an idea, a concept. But if a decision is made to launch this mechanism, we will be glad to join the work so that the event takes place and gives a start to restoring business relations,” Agee said.
Pratik Agrawal
Aditya Didwaniya
