The Moscow Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) intensified its international engagement on the second day of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF 2026), advancing strategic business ties with partners across Asia and the Middle East while reinforcing cooperation within the Union State.
Led by MCCI President Vladimir Platonov, the delegation participated in high-level business dialogues and bilateral meetings aimed at translating growing international interest into practical economic partnerships. Vice-President for International and Interregional Activities Vladislav Mishchenko also took part in targeted discussions, particularly along the Saudi Arabia track.
A central highlight was the Russia–Saudi Arabia Business Dialogue, where Saudi Arabia’s role as the forum’s official guest country underscored the strengthening economic relationship between Moscow and Riyadh. The Kingdom’s prominent presence, including a national pavilion and dedicated business programming, reflected deepening commercial engagement.
Mishchenko, speaking during a meeting of the Russia–Saudi Arabia Business Council, pointed to expanding cooperation in investment, tourism, healthcare, urban infrastructure, and services as key areas of mutual interest. “We are seeing a shift toward practical engagement, with growing readiness to establish direct business partnerships and long-term projects,” he said.
Platonov emphasized that Moscow is seeking to convert this momentum into structured cooperation frameworks. “For Moscow businesses, this opens opportunities in investment, medical and business tourism, high-tech services, and infrastructure development—areas where the city can offer tested solutions,” he noted.
Beyond the Middle East, the MCCI delegation also advanced ties with Southeast Asia. In talks with a Singaporean delegation led by Director-General Juliana Kua, both sides explored collaboration in digital innovation, urban development, entrepreneurship, and international exhibitions. The discussions built on previous engagements, including Moscow’s participation in GITEX Asia Singapore 2025.
“Singapore represents a global benchmark in technology and modern business infrastructure,” Platonov said, stressing the importance of turning forum contacts into joint projects and export-oriented initiatives.
Engagement with India also featured prominently, with discussions focusing on industrial cooperation, pharmaceuticals, IT, logistics, education, and services. The dialogue highlighted India’s role as a key Asian partner and a growing market for Moscow-based companies.
Within the Union State framework, Platonov met with Alexander Komendant, First Deputy Chairman of the Minsk City Executive Committee, to strengthen Moscow–Minsk cooperation. The talks focused on expanding enterprise-level partnerships, industrial collaboration, and joint initiatives in urban development and business support.
“Moscow and Minsk share both historical ties and strong economic potential. The priority now is to translate integration into concrete projects and business programs,” Platonov said.
The delegation also participated in the Russia–Thailand Business Dialogue, exploring opportunities in trade, logistics, tourism, healthcare, and education, as well as broader access to Southeast Asian markets.
Platonov underscored that SPIEF remains a key platform for promoting Moscow’s international economic agenda, with a focus on delivering tangible outcomes. “Every engagement must lead to new opportunities, direct partnerships, and sustainable projects,” he said.
He added that Moscow’s export strategy increasingly reflects the city’s broader economic competitiveness, spanning industrial products, technology, and services. “Our goal is to help Moscow companies enter new markets, secure reliable partners, and convert international dialogue into long-term contracts,” Platonov concluded.
