At the session “International Trade, Food Security, and Transport & Logistics Connectivity between Russia and ASEAN Countries” chairman of the Russian-Thai Business Council (RTBC) Ivan Demchenko delivered a speech. The discussion took place on 17 June as part of the opening day of the Russia – ASEAN Summit.
Ivan Demchenko focused on the key barriers affecting economic cooperation between Russia and the countries of Southeast Asia. According to the RTBC Chairman, one of the major challenges at present is the certification of industrial products. Obtaining confirmation that Russian goods comply with foreign safety and quality standards often presents significant difficulties for Russian businesses.
"We certainly need to work on simplifying the product certification process. Also, if we don't resolve the issue related to the payment system, it's impossible to discuss developing investment from Russia. It's crucial to consider the possibility of implementing direct payment solutions, and we urge the central banks of all ASEAN countries to actively communicate on this issue," noted Ivan Demchenko.
According to Ivan Demchenko, greater attention should also be paid to developing transport and logistics connectivity between Russia and Asian countries. Geographic distance and the lack of direct transport routes significantly increase the delivery time and cost of goods. Freight is often forced to transit through third-party transport hubs, which creates additional complications. Therefore, in today's environment, connecting Russian transport corridors with the logistics networks of ASEAN countries is particularly important. Reducing transit times, digitalizing customs procedures, and developing direct transport and logistics links can significantly improve the efficiency of trade between Russia and Asian countries.
"Logistics is a pressing issue. It's important to understand that almost all Russian consumers of goods imported from Asia are located in the European part of the country." "And no matter how much we love our port of Vladivostok, most of our products still somehow end up in Moscow, St. Petersburg, and cities in the central part of the country. Therefore, we need to find more opportunities to build land and air routes," said Ivan Demchenko.
It is worth noting that all of these issues will be discussed further at the II Russian-Thai Investment Forum, which will take place in Bangkok in October 2026.
The importance of this business event for strengthening international relations was also highlighted today by Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul at the plenary session of the business forum held as part of the Russia – ASEAN Summit.
In addition, on the sidelines of the forum in Kazan, the RTBC delegation held meetings with representatives of the business communities from ASEAN countries.
Ivan Demchenko focused on the key barriers affecting economic cooperation between Russia and the countries of Southeast Asia. According to the RTBC Chairman, one of the major challenges at present is the certification of industrial products. Obtaining confirmation that Russian goods comply with foreign safety and quality standards often presents significant difficulties for Russian businesses.
"We certainly need to work on simplifying the product certification process. Also, if we don't resolve the issue related to the payment system, it's impossible to discuss developing investment from Russia. It's crucial to consider the possibility of implementing direct payment solutions, and we urge the central banks of all ASEAN countries to actively communicate on this issue," noted Ivan Demchenko.
According to Ivan Demchenko, greater attention should also be paid to developing transport and logistics connectivity between Russia and Asian countries. Geographic distance and the lack of direct transport routes significantly increase the delivery time and cost of goods. Freight is often forced to transit through third-party transport hubs, which creates additional complications. Therefore, in today's environment, connecting Russian transport corridors with the logistics networks of ASEAN countries is particularly important. Reducing transit times, digitalizing customs procedures, and developing direct transport and logistics links can significantly improve the efficiency of trade between Russia and Asian countries.
"Logistics is a pressing issue. It's important to understand that almost all Russian consumers of goods imported from Asia are located in the European part of the country." "And no matter how much we love our port of Vladivostok, most of our products still somehow end up in Moscow, St. Petersburg, and cities in the central part of the country. Therefore, we need to find more opportunities to build land and air routes," said Ivan Demchenko.
It is worth noting that all of these issues will be discussed further at the II Russian-Thai Investment Forum, which will take place in Bangkok in October 2026.
The importance of this business event for strengthening international relations was also highlighted today by Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul at the plenary session of the business forum held as part of the Russia – ASEAN Summit.
In addition, on the sidelines of the forum in Kazan, the RTBC delegation held meetings with representatives of the business communities from ASEAN countries.