While addressing the forum, First Deputy Prime Minister Viktor Zubkov said:

"I'm pleased to greet you here at this youth forum on innovation. It's nice to see so many young people who do care about the development of rural areas. Today, we will discuss some of the most topical related issues. They include opportunities for small- and mid-sized agrarian businesses, the introduction of innovative technology, the improvement of living standards for rural communities, and the preservation of the Russian countryside's traditional lifestyles and traditions in the modern world.

Your daring approach and ambitious solutions are of tremendous value for the sector's advancement. I met just now with young researchers who won Rosagroleasing grants for their innovative developments. These are already being introduced into the industry and making a difference. I hope that you, too, will be involved in one such programme. I invite you to participate.

The nation wants young talent to come and work in the countryside. Half of the residential facilities built last year under our rural public housing programme have been offered to young people.

The prime minister has decided to offer a 1-million-rouble grant to each young physician who comes to work in the countryside. The government will continue to create attractive conditions for young people based in rural areas.

The proposals and initiatives that you make here today will also serve as the foundation for related government decisions.

In conclusion, I would like to say that I hope you all have a fruitful time here and now declare this forum open.""