13 December 2024
On December 12, the
first offsite session promoting
Russia's business and investment potential was held in Bangkok, Thailand. The
event was organized by the Roscongress Foundation with the support of the
Embassy of the Russian Federation and the Trade Representation of the Russian
Federation in the Kingdom of Thailand.
The session was
attended by representatives of government agencies, media, business
associations, and Thai businesses from sectors such as IT, healthcare, real
estate, industry, energy, retail, agriculture, tourism, and others.
Thailand and Russia
maintain effective trade and economic cooperation: in 2023, trade turnover
reached $1.5 billion. Speakers at the session expressed confidence that this is
not the limit, and that
systematic dialogue can elevate cooperation to a new level. The Roscongress
Foundation's projects, presented during the session, play a key role in
facilitating this dialogue. Chairman of the Board and Director of the
Roscongress Foundation Alexander Stuglev
introduced projects such as the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum,
Russian Energy Week, the “Let’s Travel!” Russian Tourism Forum, St. Petersburg
International Legal Forum, Russian Design Industry Forum, and the Eastern
Economic Forum.
“As noted at the
recent International Business Forum ‘World of Opportunities: Russia-ASEAN,’
organized by the Roscongress Foundation, interaction with ASEAN countries has
been and remains one of the priorities of Russia's state policy. Thai
businesses are already participating in the Roscongress Foundation's events:
for example, in 2023, the Eastern Economic Forum was attended by the Chairman
of the Federation of Thai Industries, Kriengkrai Thiennukul, along with
representatives of 157 companies from various sectors, including energy and IT.
In 2024, Thailand presented a large-scale exhibition at the ‘Let’s Travel!’ Russian Tourism Forum,” said Alexander
Stuglev.
Roscongress forums
are a "one-stop shop" for exploring Russia's business and investment
potential. For example, Russia offers Thailand favorable business conditions.
Special economic territories, such as Advanced Special Economic Zone in the Far East, provide tax benefits and
simplified administrative procedures. Thailand is interested in Russian exports
and supports tourist flows from Russia. Stable supplies of Russian agricultural
products and energy resources sustain Thailand's domestic industries and help
reduce costs.
“Thailand and
Russia have built successful cooperation in strategic areas such as energy,
agriculture, and security. Discussions between the security councils of Russia
and Thailand also address law enforcement matters. In addition, a free trade
agreement between Thailand and the EAEU is being considered, which could
enhance economic cooperation between our countries. Humanitarian cooperation is
also underway, with joint projects in science, education, and culture. I am
confident that this session will become the foundation for further work in
these areas, including at the largest Russian business events,” noted
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to the
Kingdom of Thailand Evgeny Tomikhin.
Participation in
Russian forums is also an opportunity for Thai businesses to find partners,
sign agreements, and discuss joint projects.
“We receive
numerous requests from both Russian and Thai businesses for cooperation.
Dialogue is more important than ever today for effective interaction and
finding solutions to common challenges. That is why Thai businesses must
participate in Russian events, including those organized by the Roscongress
Foundation. The more companies that join, the greater the cooperation potential
we will achieve,” said Trade Representative of the Russian Federation
in the Kingdom of Thailand Yuri Lyzhin.
Representatives of
the business community also shared their experience of Russian-Thai
cooperation: Adit Krisanawong, Executive Director of the Thai Chamber of
Commerce and the Board of Trade of Thailand; Konstantin Gorshenev,
representative of the All-Russian Public Organization for Small and Medium
Enterprises “Opora Russia” in Bangkok; and Dr. Varin Khera, Vice President and
Co-founder of Cloudsec Asia.
Participants
expressed hope for continued dialogue in 2025 at the St. Petersburg
International Economic Forum, scheduled for June 18–21, and at the Eastern
Economic Forum in Vladivostok, to be held September 3–6.
