Russia has increased the volume of imports from ASEAN countries by 70% over the past decade, Russian Economic Development Minister Maxim Reshetnikov said at the plenary session of the Russia-ASEAN Business Forum.
"Over the past ten years, we have increased imports from ASEAN countries by 70%. We actively purchase agricultural raw materials, machinery, equipment, vehicles, chemical products, textiles, clothing, and footwear," Reshetnikov said.
The Russian economic development minister also noted that trade turnover between Russia and ASEAN countries has increased by 53% over the past decade, reaching $21 bln.
"These results are all the more valuable because we have achieved them under challenging conditions. Global changes, high uncertainty, and the erosion of the fundamental principles of the World Trade Organization all create challenges," Reshetnikov said.
According to the minister, Russia, like ASEAN countries, continues to operate in accordance with the multilateral rules of the World Trade Organization.
"We do not use instruments of hidden protectionism, whether through the climate agenda or any other mechanisms that restrict access to technology and competition," Reshetnikov said.
The Russia-ASEAN Strategic Program for Trade and Investment Cooperation through 2035 will be adopted in 2026 and will serve as a roadmap of concrete actions to develop economic ties, the minister said.
"All priorities have been incorporated into the Russia-ASEAN Strategic Program for Trade and Investment Cooperation through 2035. It will be adopted this year and will become a roadmap of concrete actions to deepen Russia-ASEAN ties in this area," Reshetnikov said.
He emphasized that Russia views ASEAN countries not merely as partners, but as reliable allies in building a stable future.
"I call on businesses on both sides to pursue ambitious, long-term projects so that our national economies continue to develop and people in our countries see real changes in the future. That is the broader purpose of this effort," Reshetnikov said.
