The Russia–Myanmar Business Forum has kicked off at Plekhanov Russian University of Economics as part of the visit of the President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar Min Aung Hlaing to the Russian Federation. The Forum was opened by Min Aung Hlaing, Minister of Economic Development of the Russian Federation Maxim Reshetnikov, and Rector of Plekhanov Russian University of Economics Ivan Lobanov. The business forum brought together representatives of relevant ministries and agencies, as well as members of the business and expert circles of Russia and Myanmar. The event was organized by the Embassy of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar in Russia and the Roscongress Foundation.

In his welcome address to the guests and participants of the Forum, the Minister of Economic Development of the Russian Federation emphasized that the Russian Government attaches great importance to developing relations with Myanmar and the Republic’s business community. “This is confirmed by the record number of participants in this year’s Forum – more than 130 representatives of approximately 80 Russian companies from different fields are present here. This reflects the development of our trade, economic, and investment relations. Russian businesses are ready to move from isolated, one-off deals to large-scale, systemic cooperation. This includes increasing supplies of energy resources, vehicles, grain, feed products, medical devices, and pharmaceuticals, as well as purchasing more products made in Myanmar. Russian retailers have expressed an interest in developing such ties,” said Maxim Reshetnikov. He also welcomed the opening of the Russia–Myanmar Trade House, which will systematize work in this area and take it to a qualitatively new level.

Adviser to the President of the Russian Federation Anton Kobyakov noted that talks are under way to expand areas of cooperation between the two countries. These include the military-technical sphere, tourism, the search for non-dollar financial settlement mechanisms, education, and digitalization. “This is the sixth visit of the President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar to Russia since 2021, which underscores the interest of our partners in continuing the dialogue. For Russia, Myanmar is, in turn, also a reliable partner in Southeast Asia and actively participates in our joint work within ASEAN: a Myanmar delegation attended Russia–ASEAN Summit events in Kazan this past June. The main indicator of the fruitful cooperation between Russia and Myanmar is the substantial package of interdepartmental and commercial documents signed following the talks between the heads of state, which confirmed that mutual relations have reached a new strategic level. The exchange of declarations between the heads of the foreign ministries of the two countries was an important step in strengthening foreign policy. Russia sees great prospects for cooperation with Myanmar,” Anton Kobyakov emphasized.

President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar Min Aung Hlaing was named an honorary professor of Plekhanov Russian University of Economics. Rector Ivan Lobanov thanked the President for his visit to the university and noted Russia and Myanmar’s mutual desire to develop cooperation in education. “The visit of the President of Myanmar confirms the university’s global standing and opens up great opportunities for us to promote and develop education, science, commerce, economics, finance, and other areas.” In addition, Ivan Lobanov outlined Plekhanov Russian University of Economics’ plans to open a branch in Myanmar.

Key topics of the business forum include the investment potential of Russia–Myanmar relations and doing business in Myanmar, the prospects for the development of the country’s tourism industry, opportunities for expanding mutual trade, and new products and solutions for the markets of both countries.

 

SOURCE: Roscongress Foundation