Russia to the World: The Present and Future of Russian Exports at the Made in Russia Forum

Export is the leading force behind Russia's economic development. The state prioritizes the promotion of high-value-added products. Government officials, development institutions, leaders of large and small businesses, and cultural figures discussed strengthening the position of domestic solutions in the global market and developing international cooperation at the plenary discussion Russia to the World: Strengthening Trust, Developing Global Connections at the Made in Russia International Export Forum, which took place on October 21 at Russia National Center.

The session was moderated by ITAR-TASS General Director, Andrey Kondrashov, and Russian Export Center General Director, Veronika Nikishina. Participants in the discussion included First Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, Denis Manturov, Russian Minister of Industry and Trade, Anton Alikhanov, Russian Minister of Economic Development Maxim Reshetnikov, TMH General Director, Kirill Lipa, Promobot General Director, Maxim Chugunov, Geoscan General Director, Pavel Stepanov, Wildberries founder, Tatyana Kim, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Logika Moloka, Ruslan Alisultanov, Channel One General Director, Konstantin Ernst, and VEB.RF Chairman, Igor Shuvalov.

The Chairman of the Russian Government, Mikhail Mishustin, delivered the closing remarks.

“The trends are clear: we're shifting from the West to the Global South, East, Asia, Latin America, and Africa. And here, it's important to establish a steady traffic, not one-way, but bilateral. We must always monitor the trade balance. Our President, when setting the goal of increasing, or rather achieving, a balanced trade with India, meant that our Indian colleagues are, of course, just as interested as other countries in supplying their products to our market. But every country is interested in creating its own added value, and we're no exception. In this regard, it's important to develop areas related to the creation of hubs or sites where we could locate our own production facilities, assembly capacities, or, 'delivery units.' These sites would distribute our products to third countries," First Denis Manturov, Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation.

As Veronika Nikishina, Head of Russian Export Center, emphasized, a number of Russian industries are already significant players in the global market. A prime example is railway engineering. Russia's share of global exports more than doubled from 2020 to 2024. Every fifth open car and every tenth passenger car worldwide are exported from Russia.

Kirill Lipa, CEO of TMH, discussed the export potential using India as an example. He noted that India has rapidly developing urban infrastructure, and Russia is ready to participate in various projects to develop metro systems, commuter rail services, etc. Thanks to its unique engineering, production, and service expertise as part of a consortium, the company won an international tender worth $6.5 billion. Leading global and local manufacturers participated in the tender. Furthermore, TMH sees potential in establishing local component production facilities, jointly training highly qualified personnel, and subsequently exporting trains manufactured in India to other markets in Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

Anton Alikhanov, Russian Minister of Industry and Trade, noted that non-resource, non-energy export is currently experiencing a recovery, and the state faces the task of transitioning to the production of higher-value-added products.

A special role in this is given to the program for promoting products under the Made in Russia national brand.

“Made in Russia should become a showcase for modern industry and everyday goods, demonstrating that Russian products can be technologically advanced, reliable, and in demand in a wide range of competitive markets. For companies, this is an opportunity to showcase high-quality, innovative products and earn the trust of international buyers. The Made in Russia program provides systemic promotional support, from participation in exhibitions to marketing campaigns abroad. It helps build the recognition and reputation of Russian companies, opening the door to international markets and new export niches. It is an important tool for industrial diplomacy and strengthening economic sovereignty.” Anton Alikhanov, Minister of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation.

Maxim Reshetnikov, Russian Minister of Economic Development, emphasized the importance of supporting businesses focused on creating innovative products and technologies. “The economy of the future is a supply-side economy based on competition, private initiative, and technological sovereignty. National goals for achieving technological leadership are directly linked to expanding the capabilities of Russian companies in international markets. Today, it's important not only to create competitive solutions but also help companies implement them abroad, open new markets, and build a pool of technology leaders, so-called export heroes. We pay special attention to small and medium-sized technology businesses, especially in the regions. They are becoming growth hubs and drivers of innovation."

Promobot, a manufacturer of robotics solutions, is a vivid example. Promobot develops functional products for various industries, including medicine, education, and manufacturing. The company promotes robotics education and exports robots worldwide. Its CEO, Maxim Chugunov, explained how a small startup, began exporting solutions to more than 30 countries in just five years and emphasized that support from the government and development institutions helps it quickly carve out a niche in the highly competitive global market.

Geoscan, in turn, demonstrates that fundamental knowledge and engineering excellence translated into globally in-demand products. According to Pavel Stepanov, Geoscan CEO, a strong focus on technology has elevated the company to a global leader in unmanned aerial photography, geological exploration, and drone shows, and has enabled it to set several global technological records. Today, Geoscan exports equipment and services to more than 50 countries, including the Persian Gulf, Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America. Russian standards for unmanned aerial photography and specialist training programs are becoming benchmarks for the international market.

Russia has traditionally maintained a leading position in the nuclear industry. Veronika Nikishina, Head of Russian Export Center, noted that one in six reactors worldwide runs on Russian fuel. The nuclear industry is driving the export of a variety of related products, from medical equipment to power engineering.

Technological changes aren't just happening in manufacturing. Entire spheres of human life are being transformed, including retail. Online retail's share of total global retail turnover was approximately 20% in 2024, and is projected to grow to 25-30% by 2034. Russia is one of the few countries that has created its own large-scale platform solutions.

According to Wildberries founder, Tatyana Kim, the growth of e-commerce platforms is reflected not only in increased sales volumes but also in the expansion of business geography, both within Russia and internationally. Sellers can already ship goods to seven countries with Wildberries. “Digital platforms facilitate the development of international economic ties. We not only bring significant investment to other countries but also support their economic growth through investments in advertising, logistics, and financial services, as well as by opening new markets through direct sales. The idea is to connect producers directly with consumers, eliminating middlemen and resellers, thereby increasing profits for entrepreneurs themselves. Online export volumes are doubling annually, and the share of e-commerce in non-resource exports is growing by several percentage points annually.”

Session participants paid special attention to achievements in agricultural export. For example, Russian dairy manufacturers are strengthening their export positions, despite the dairy market being considered complex and local.

Ruslan Alisultanov, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Logika Moloka, emphasized that the Russian dairy industry has achieved a high level of self-sufficiency, with domestic consumption at record levels. This foundation allows for expansion into foreign markets without compromising the Russian consumer. The primary export destinations for dairy products are the CIS countries, China, and the Middle East. North Africa and Southeast Asia are also on the horizon.

“In 2025, Logika Moloka exported products worth 2.7 billion rubles and expects record shipment volumes by the end of the year. We see that our products can compete with those of other players in international markets. They are perceived as high-quality and environmentally friendly. In our view, to develop export, we need to create a relevant, updated, and accessible database of foreign regulatory documents, simplify certification, adapt packaging, and join producers’ efforts for promotion,” Ruslan Alisultanov.

“Country's image is a vital component. We need to stop being modest. We have undeniable advantages. What we have at a world-class level needs to be promoted and celebrated,” Konstantin Ernst, Channel One CEO.

Igor Shuvalov noted that export support is one of the five key areas of activity within the VEB.RF Group's Development Strategy until 2030. According to VEB.RF Chairman, the focus of support is shifting to foreign economic projects related to Russian companies' investments abroad. Specifically, such projects are being structured in collaboration with Russian Export Center (REC) in Africa and the Eurasian region.

“Successful export is the key to success in the race for technological leadership. It's important not only to create a promising technology and successfully implement it in domestic production. It's also crucial that solutions based on these technologies are globally competitive; that high-tech Made in Russia products are known, loved, and purchased in other countries. Effective collaboration between VEB.RF Group's development institutions should ensure that supported exports reach 13.3 trillion rubles by 2030,” Igor Shuvalov.

The plenary session was held with the support of the Department of State Protocol of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It was attended by over 50 ambassadors and chargés d'affaires from Asia, Africa, Latin America, the CIS, and the Arab States.

“The State Protocol Department is involved in organizing large-scale events, one of which is today's panel discussion with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, held as part of the Made in Russia International Export Forum. Representatives from approximately 80 embassies attended the meeting, including more than 50 ambassadors and chargés d'affaires accredited in Moscow. The panel plays a key role in supporting domestic manufacturers and increasing the visibility of Russian goods in foreign markets. Particular attention is paid to promising export areas, namely IT, innovations in robotics, and other modern industries. Russia is consistently expanding its presence in international markets, offering competitive products and services. Our goal is to ensure constructive dialogue with representatives of the diplomatic corps to effectively promote Russian goods and technologies, thereby fostering international cooperation and strengthening country's export potential,” Igor Bogdashev, Director of the State Protocol Department of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

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.