Creative economy of Russia is demonstrating sustainable domestic growth and has high export potential. This was stated by Vladimir Kovalev, Executive Director of the Russia-Thailand Business Council (RTBC), at the session "Creative Economy: New Export Brands, Industries, and Growth Points," held in Kazan on May 14 as part of the 17th International Economic Forum "Russia - Islamic World: KazanForum."
According to the latest data, the contribution of Russia's creative economy to the country's gross national product in 2025 is estimated at 8.26 trillion rubles—approximately 4.1-4.3% of the total. However, despite domestic growth, the export performance of Russia's creative economy remains modest by global standards.
Entering the Southeast Asian market could significantly increase the export performance of Russia's creative economy. In terms of its combined economic potential, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is the world's fifth-largest economy. The digital economy figures are also impressive: total turnover exceeded $300 billion in 2025, and is projected to reach $560 billion by 2030. According to analysts, online media in Southeast Asia already generates $34 billion annually (with a growth rate of 16% annually), with video growing by 15% and music by 14%. Creative exports from Russia could carve out a significant niche in this growing market, but this requires a systematic promotion strategy.
"The figures prove that this region represents a promising target market. Thailand is the most prepared entry point. I'd like to point out that Thailand itself is a model for how a state transforms culture into an export: Thai TV series have grown into a distinct economic sector with international demand in Japan, Taiwan, and Vietnam, and Thai gastronomy has become one of the most recognizable cultural brands in the world," — noted Vladimir Kovalev.
RTBC is systematically working to develop business and strengthen contacts between Russian and Thai entrepreneurs, focusing on creative initiatives. A separate Russian stand was organized for the first time at the annual Thai design exhibition, Chiang Mai Design Week 2025, and the 1st Russia-Thai Investment Forum (RTIF) featured a contemporary art exhibition at the Manege Central Exhibition Hall and the first bilingual performance, setting a precedent not only for business but also for cultural participation. These events became channels through which Russian creative products entered the Thai market in an organized, rather than spontaneous, manner.
In 2026, the 2nd Russia-Thai Investment Forum will be held in Bangkok from October 29 to 30. The upcoming event will feature a performance symbolizing the unity of the two countries' cultures. Russian exhibits are also planned for Chiang Mai Design Week 2026 and the Annual Toy Fair 2027, where collaborations between Russian and Thai artists are being developed.
"The strategic goal of this work is to establish a permanent Russian presence in the Thai market as a springboard for all of Southeast Asia. It is necessary to identify key areas and their development prospects. These include, for example, animation and children's content, art toys and designer merchandise, architecture and urban design. To further develop these areas, a working group on creative exports to Asia will be formed within the RTBC," — stated the executive director of RTBC.
According to the latest data, the contribution of Russia's creative economy to the country's gross national product in 2025 is estimated at 8.26 trillion rubles—approximately 4.1-4.3% of the total. However, despite domestic growth, the export performance of Russia's creative economy remains modest by global standards.
Entering the Southeast Asian market could significantly increase the export performance of Russia's creative economy. In terms of its combined economic potential, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is the world's fifth-largest economy. The digital economy figures are also impressive: total turnover exceeded $300 billion in 2025, and is projected to reach $560 billion by 2030. According to analysts, online media in Southeast Asia already generates $34 billion annually (with a growth rate of 16% annually), with video growing by 15% and music by 14%. Creative exports from Russia could carve out a significant niche in this growing market, but this requires a systematic promotion strategy.
"The figures prove that this region represents a promising target market. Thailand is the most prepared entry point. I'd like to point out that Thailand itself is a model for how a state transforms culture into an export: Thai TV series have grown into a distinct economic sector with international demand in Japan, Taiwan, and Vietnam, and Thai gastronomy has become one of the most recognizable cultural brands in the world," — noted Vladimir Kovalev.
RTBC is systematically working to develop business and strengthen contacts between Russian and Thai entrepreneurs, focusing on creative initiatives. A separate Russian stand was organized for the first time at the annual Thai design exhibition, Chiang Mai Design Week 2025, and the 1st Russia-Thai Investment Forum (RTIF) featured a contemporary art exhibition at the Manege Central Exhibition Hall and the first bilingual performance, setting a precedent not only for business but also for cultural participation. These events became channels through which Russian creative products entered the Thai market in an organized, rather than spontaneous, manner.
In 2026, the 2nd Russia-Thai Investment Forum will be held in Bangkok from October 29 to 30. The upcoming event will feature a performance symbolizing the unity of the two countries' cultures. Russian exhibits are also planned for Chiang Mai Design Week 2026 and the Annual Toy Fair 2027, where collaborations between Russian and Thai artists are being developed.
"The strategic goal of this work is to establish a permanent Russian presence in the Thai market as a springboard for all of Southeast Asia. It is necessary to identify key areas and their development prospects. These include, for example, animation and children's content, art toys and designer merchandise, architecture and urban design. To further develop these areas, a working group on creative exports to Asia will be formed within the RTBC," — stated the executive director of RTBC.