The "World of Opportunities: Russia-ASEAN" International Business Forum, held from November 26 to 27, officially concluded in Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia. Over two days, the Forum hosted more than 350 participants, including representatives from political, business, and academic circles, the media, as well as experts and public figures from 24 countries. Organized by the Roscongress Foundation, the event marked the first major initiative under the Roscongress International brand.

"The 'Russia-ASEAN: World of Opportunities' Forum became one of the largest business events of its kind in the country and region in recent years, providing a unique platform to enhance trade relations between Russia and Southeast Asian countries. In 2023, Russia's trade turnover with ASEAN countries reached a record high, growing by 14.6% compared to the previous year. This positive trend continued in the first half of 2024, with a 20.5% increase. The business forum was a response to the growing interest of Russian businesses in ASEAN countries, particularly Malaysia, and further solidified Russia's strengthening trade position in Southeast Asia. I am confident that the Forum will serve as a significant discussion platform for addressing and broadly covering issues related to deepening trade and investment ties between Russia and ASEAN countries across various sectors," said Anton Kobyakov, Advisor to the President of the Russian Federation.

The Forum's business agenda centered on trade and export interaction, energy, digital transformation, information security, technology, and innovations. Dedicated sessions also explored healthcare, tourism, education, and the impact of alumni communities in fostering international business connections.

"Russia-Malaysia relations are dynamically progressing across a wide range of areas, providing optimism for their future. I believe this Forum served as an excellent starting point for creating and implementing new projects, fostering cooperation, and promoting open dialogue between the business community and government representatives. I hope the event's outcomes bring ASEAN countries and Malaysia closer to Russia, enabling the peoples of our nations to learn more about each other and explore new horizons for mutually beneficial relationships," emphasized Nail Latypov, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Russia to Malaysia. He described Kuala Lumpur as a fitting choice for the event, noting that Malaysia will assume the ASEAN chairmanship in 2025 and highlighting the city's strategic location as a regional hub, within a two-hour flight of any ASEAN capital.

The main highlight of the Forum was the plenary session, which featured participants such as Alexey Gruzdev, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation; Ayrat Khayrullin, Minister of Digitalization of Public Administration, Information Technologies, and Communications of the Republic of Tatarstan; Tan Sri Nazir Razak, Founder and Chairman of Ikhlas Capital and Chairman of the ASEAN Business Advisory Council Malaysia; Oudet Souvannavong, President of the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Chairman of the ASEAN Business Advisory Council; Alexander Stuglev, Chairman and CEO of the Roscongress Foundation; and Abu Bakar Yusof, Deputy Director of the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE). Daniyar Akkaziev, Executive Director of the Russia-ASEAN Business Council, moderated the session.

The business program on the first day continued with a panel discussion titled "The Energy Dimension of Strategic Partnership between Russia and ASEAN: Lessons Learned and New Directions" and the EAEU-ASEAN business dialogue. Discussions focused on exploring new formats of cooperation among businesses for sustainable, long-term development.

The second day of the Forum featured panels on enhancing cooperation between Russia and Southeast Asian countries in digital transformation, healthcare, and medicine. Additional focus was given to strategies for increasing tourist flows and fostering educational partnerships.

The "World of Opportunities: Russia-ASEAN" International Business Forum was held with the support of the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation and the Trade Representation of the Russian Federation in Malaysia. The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) served as the co-organizer. The Forum's general partner was the Tatarstan Trade House, while program partners included the Russia-ASEAN Business Council, the Eurasian Economic Commission, and Coalstar LLC.

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