Moscow, Sept. 7 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has highlighted the growing importance of the Asia-Pacific region (APR) as a major engine of global economic growth, stressing Russia's expanding participation in trade and investment cooperation across the region.

Addressing the plenary session of the 11th Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, Putin said Russia was working closely with regional partners and integration organisations to strengthen economic ties.

According to TV BRICS, Putin said Russia's strategic objective was to transform the Russian Far East into a hub for cooperation and economic development, with a focus on infrastructure, technology, skilled workforce development and social initiatives.

"We are working on an eq...