On October 21, as part of the Made in Russia International Export Forum, Russia National Center hosted a business dialogue Asia in Focus. Approaching Strategies for Russian Companies, bringing together business representatives from Russia, India, Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia. Participants discussed new opportunities for Russian businesses in this rapidly growing region and practical steps to develop trade and localize products. The forum was organized by Russian Export Center (REC, VEB Group).
Natalia Osipova, moderator of the session, Head of division of ADV Experience, Russia's leading communications group, President of the Russian Association for Marketing Services, noted that the Asian vector is becoming the primary focus of Russian foreign trade. “Asian countries are demonstrating stable economic growth and strong interest in cooperation with Russia. However, the Asian vector also presents a challenge for Russian companies, many of which are just gaining experience in these markets. Domestic companies are facing new business practices, reconfiguring supply chains, developing new sales offers, and learning to operate on international e-commerce platforms.”
Russia and Vietnam have been developing close trade relations for many years. The agro-industrial complex is a promising area for Russian export. Specifically, TH Group Chairman, Ngo Minh Hai, shared that Vietnamese retailers are interested in collaborating with Russian suppliers of organic products.
“Vietnam is a strategic point of entry into Southeast Asia. It's a dynamically developing market where a combination of local presence and marketing activity is crucial. We help companies adapt packaging, obtain certification, and build relationships with retailers and online platforms. Under the Made in Russia brand, Russian companies participate in exhibitions and promote themselves through the Russian national pavilion. This helps businesses not just present their products but also build long-term relationships with customers and distributors," Ilya Koltygin, Head of REC representative office in Vietnam.
In 2025, Russian Export Center opened a representative office in Thailand, another promising export destination. Worawut Boribuntanakit, Marketing Director at Import Export Innovance, spoke about the specifics of Thai retail. According to him, Russian cosmetics, food, and household goods can successfully compete in Thailand if they adapt their packaging and flavors to suit local consumers.
Nikita Derkach, Head of Russian Export Center (REC) office in Thailand, added that e-commerce is rapidly developing in the country, and the REC is helping Russian companies enter local marketplaces. “Consumers value affordability and quality, enjoy trying new things, but also demand brand awareness. Thai retailers are increasingly seeking manufacturers who can offer something different from standard Asian suppliers. Russian products, e.g., snacks, cosmetics, or children's goods, are perceived as high-quality and modern. The goal of our companies is not just to sell, but to create a brand story. This includes participation in exhibitions, collaborations with bloggers, tastings, and e-commerce. REC sees how quickly interest in Russian products is growing and helps companies systematically capitalize on these opportunities.”
Pangeran Siahaan, Director at Terang Javas Indo Trade, who received the Made in Russia brand ambassador status at the forum, confirmed that Indonesian buyers are highly interested in Russian products. He emphasized that for successful business, not only product quality but also personal trust is crucial. Entering the market under a unified Made in Russia brand, which is becoming increasingly popular among Asian buyers and entrepreneurs, helps address this issue.
The session focused on interactions with India, one of the world's largest developing markets, offering numerous opportunities for Russian business.
Mamed Akhmedov, Head of Russian Export Center's office in India, emphasized that Russian companies are already actively exploring the Indian market, expanding their supply of food products, cosmetics, and industrial equipment. “India is open to Russia, but one-size-fits-all approach is not good for this region. Success depends not only on quality and price, but also on attention to details, cultural context, and trusting relationships. Russian Export Center helps companies navigate this journey, from market analysis and initial negotiations to participation in exhibitions and establishing sales. Our goal is not just to enter the market, but to establish a foothold there for years to come.”
“Since 2021, FESCO Transportation Group has doubled the total capacity of its container fleet to nearly 50,000 TEU, allowing it to significantly expand the geography and frequency of shipments. While the company previously operated in only two sea basins, today it covers four seas, organizing shipments through all the country’s key ports: Vladivostok, Novorossiysk, and St. Petersburg. These systemic changes have helped it ensure more sustainable and flexible logistics, adapted, among other things, to the needs of exporters, who have significantly strengthened Russia's position in foreign markets in recent years. As part of this strategy, FESCO is actively expanding its presence in Southeast Asia, organizing container shipments not only to Vietnam, but also to Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and other countries in the region,” German Maslov, Deputy General Director, FESCO's Linear Logistics Division.
The session demonstrated that Asia remains a key destination for Russian export. REC offices in India, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand continue to provide companies with comprehensive support, from consulting and organizing B2B meetings to promoting their products under the Made in Russia national brand.
Made in Russia International Export Forum is a key event of the year for Russian exporters. The Forum is organized by Russian Export Center. The Moscow Government is the business program partner. TASS is the general information partner. RIA Novosti is the exclusive information partner. Information partners include Channel One, Rossiya24, MAER Media, Vedomosti, Expert, Gazprom Media, and Insight People. Roscongress Foundation is the operator of the Forum's business program.
Russian Export Center (REC, VEB Group) is a government institution that supports non-resource, non-energy export. It provides companies from various industries with both financial and non-financial support at all stages of entering international markets, including as part of the International Cooperation and Export national project. Most services offered by the REC Group are available online on My Export digital platform. REC is also responsible for the key functions of supporting and implementing the Made in Russia program.
Natalia Osipova, moderator of the session, Head of division of ADV Experience, Russia's leading communications group, President of the Russian Association for Marketing Services, noted that the Asian vector is becoming the primary focus of Russian foreign trade. “Asian countries are demonstrating stable economic growth and strong interest in cooperation with Russia. However, the Asian vector also presents a challenge for Russian companies, many of which are just gaining experience in these markets. Domestic companies are facing new business practices, reconfiguring supply chains, developing new sales offers, and learning to operate on international e-commerce platforms.”
Russia and Vietnam have been developing close trade relations for many years. The agro-industrial complex is a promising area for Russian export. Specifically, TH Group Chairman, Ngo Minh Hai, shared that Vietnamese retailers are interested in collaborating with Russian suppliers of organic products.
“Vietnam is a strategic point of entry into Southeast Asia. It's a dynamically developing market where a combination of local presence and marketing activity is crucial. We help companies adapt packaging, obtain certification, and build relationships with retailers and online platforms. Under the Made in Russia brand, Russian companies participate in exhibitions and promote themselves through the Russian national pavilion. This helps businesses not just present their products but also build long-term relationships with customers and distributors," Ilya Koltygin, Head of REC representative office in Vietnam.
In 2025, Russian Export Center opened a representative office in Thailand, another promising export destination. Worawut Boribuntanakit, Marketing Director at Import Export Innovance, spoke about the specifics of Thai retail. According to him, Russian cosmetics, food, and household goods can successfully compete in Thailand if they adapt their packaging and flavors to suit local consumers.
Nikita Derkach, Head of Russian Export Center (REC) office in Thailand, added that e-commerce is rapidly developing in the country, and the REC is helping Russian companies enter local marketplaces. “Consumers value affordability and quality, enjoy trying new things, but also demand brand awareness. Thai retailers are increasingly seeking manufacturers who can offer something different from standard Asian suppliers. Russian products, e.g., snacks, cosmetics, or children's goods, are perceived as high-quality and modern. The goal of our companies is not just to sell, but to create a brand story. This includes participation in exhibitions, collaborations with bloggers, tastings, and e-commerce. REC sees how quickly interest in Russian products is growing and helps companies systematically capitalize on these opportunities.”
Pangeran Siahaan, Director at Terang Javas Indo Trade, who received the Made in Russia brand ambassador status at the forum, confirmed that Indonesian buyers are highly interested in Russian products. He emphasized that for successful business, not only product quality but also personal trust is crucial. Entering the market under a unified Made in Russia brand, which is becoming increasingly popular among Asian buyers and entrepreneurs, helps address this issue.
The session focused on interactions with India, one of the world's largest developing markets, offering numerous opportunities for Russian business.
Mamed Akhmedov, Head of Russian Export Center's office in India, emphasized that Russian companies are already actively exploring the Indian market, expanding their supply of food products, cosmetics, and industrial equipment. “India is open to Russia, but one-size-fits-all approach is not good for this region. Success depends not only on quality and price, but also on attention to details, cultural context, and trusting relationships. Russian Export Center helps companies navigate this journey, from market analysis and initial negotiations to participation in exhibitions and establishing sales. Our goal is not just to enter the market, but to establish a foothold there for years to come.”
“Since 2021, FESCO Transportation Group has doubled the total capacity of its container fleet to nearly 50,000 TEU, allowing it to significantly expand the geography and frequency of shipments. While the company previously operated in only two sea basins, today it covers four seas, organizing shipments through all the country’s key ports: Vladivostok, Novorossiysk, and St. Petersburg. These systemic changes have helped it ensure more sustainable and flexible logistics, adapted, among other things, to the needs of exporters, who have significantly strengthened Russia's position in foreign markets in recent years. As part of this strategy, FESCO is actively expanding its presence in Southeast Asia, organizing container shipments not only to Vietnam, but also to Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and other countries in the region,” German Maslov, Deputy General Director, FESCO's Linear Logistics Division.
The session demonstrated that Asia remains a key destination for Russian export. REC offices in India, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand continue to provide companies with comprehensive support, from consulting and organizing B2B meetings to promoting their products under the Made in Russia national brand.
Made in Russia International Export Forum is a key event of the year for Russian exporters. The Forum is organized by Russian Export Center. The Moscow Government is the business program partner. TASS is the general information partner. RIA Novosti is the exclusive information partner. Information partners include Channel One, Rossiya24, MAER Media, Vedomosti, Expert, Gazprom Media, and Insight People. Roscongress Foundation is the operator of the Forum's business program.
Russian Export Center (REC, VEB Group) is a government institution that supports non-resource, non-energy export. It provides companies from various industries with both financial and non-financial support at all stages of entering international markets, including as part of the International Cooperation and Export national project. Most services offered by the REC Group are available online on My Export digital platform. REC is also responsible for the key functions of supporting and implementing the Made in Russia program.