On October 14, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin emphasized that one of the government’s key priorities is to stimulate the expansion of non-resource and non-energy products in foreign trade.
Speaking at the “Made in Russia” international export forum in Moscow, Mishustin acknowledged that despite facing unprecedented challenges, Russia’s external trade continues to thrive. According to statistics from the Ministry of Economic Development, Russia’s GDP grew by 4.2% in the first eight months of this year. He attributes this achievement largely to the transformation of Russian exports and the strengthening of partnerships with friendly countries, which are increasingly contributing to the overall trade volume.
Mishustin highlighted that the government is actively facilitating connections between domestic companies and partners in friendly nations. Data from the first seven months of this year indicates that various government initiatives, including loans and contract insurance, have led to a roughly one-third increase in exports to friendly countries over the past four years, now accounting for 86% of Russia’s total exports. Key sectors like machine engineering, metallurgy, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and agricultural products have shown steady growth in foreign sales.
The Prime Minister pointed out that one of the government’s focal points is to boost exports of non-resource and non-energy products. In the first seven months of this year, exports of these products to friendly countries saw an almost 11% increase. This surge not only enhances commercial income and the federal budget but also supports the growth of Russian enterprises, boosting industrial capacity, developing advanced technologies, digitization, and the introduction of robotics and innovative markets, all contributing to a more efficient Russian economy.
Mishustin stressed that Russia will continue to strengthen mutually beneficial partnerships with friendly nations, expand cooperation with countries in the Global South, adjust trade structures to increase trade volumes, enhance infrastructure, and gradually improve logistics. Additionally, there will be a focus on enhancing and improving foreign trade financial services, developing a national brand promotion plan to strengthen the “Made in Russia” brand, and increasing the international competitiveness of Russian products. There will also be efforts to motivate and assist small and medium-sized enterprises in entering the international market with high-value-added products.
The “Made in Russia” international export forum has been held annually since 2012 and has become a critical platform for discussing current issues and challenges in foreign economic activities, developing solutions aimed at boosting the exports of Russian goods and services, and exploring future development trends. This year’s forum marks its 12th edition.
