Key conclusions:
The foundation is in place for further building cooperation between Russia and ASEAN
- “Russia has a wealth of tools for working with ASEAN member states. Bilateral business councils have been established with virtually every country, encompassing the entrepreneurial community and chambers of commerce and industry. There is also the Russia–ASEAN Business Council,” Sergey Katyrin, President, Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Russian Federation.
The pandemic has posed new challenges which can only be tackled by working together
- “During the pandemic, international cooperation is needed like never before in order to tackle common challenges. We need to get through the pandemic, while also fostering socioeconomic development. <...> ASEAN remains committed to its spirit of solidarity and unity in the fight against the pandemic,” Nguyen Hong Dien, Minister of Industry and Trade of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.
In an era characterized by natural disasters with global repercussions, the potential exists for Russia and ASEAN to work together in the green economy
- “Given the fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic, the new economy cannot resemble the old one. The digitalization of energy and engineering services will lead to the elimination of a carbon footprint. This in turn will lead to greater opportunities and expanded boundaries when it comes to implementation. <...> R&D could be another area of cooperation between ASEAN member states. There are some wonderful examples of Russian technology being used throughout the world,” Sergey Machekhin, Deputy General Director Project Engineering and International Cooperation, RusHydro.
Problems:
A lack of regulation within ASEAN
- “There is hardly a single aspect related to electronic document management, protection of personal data, and standards which comes under common regulation. This means that we are unable to properly do a lot of things, or that disputes arise,” Sergey Katyrin, President, Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Russian Federation.
A lack of port capacity in the Far East
- “The fact that it is difficult to trade via ports in the Far East – Primorye Territory – is a global problem. There is a palpable lack of facilities and capacity at port container terminals. <...> Shipping costs have increased, due in part to the restrictions put in place to counter the pandemic,” Quoc Viet Do, Member of the Management Board, Vietnam Businessmen's Association.
Solutions:
Creating an e-commerce regulation system
- “One requirement to address in the near future is the creation of a regulatory framework which will reassure people that their personal data is protected. Similarly, businesses should feel that they are protected. <...> It will be difficult to resolve this issue unilaterally,” Sergey Katyrin, President, Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Russian Federation.
Constructing a new port in Vladivostok
- “Plans are in place to build a new port in Vladivostok. This will be done partly though transferring, renovating, [and commissioning – ed.] new capacities. There are plans to sign a [construction – ed.] agreement at this edition of the Eastern Economic Forum,” Denis Nevzorov, Director of the Department for International Cooperation and Technological Development of the Far East and Arctic, Ministry for the Development of the Russian Far East and Arctic.
For more information, visit the Roscongress Foundation’s Information and Analytical System at roscongress.org/en.
