The development of industrial cooperation, the implementation of joint investment projects and the expansion of opportunities for entrepreneurs were the key themes addressed by Alexander Stuglev, Chairman of the Board and CEO of the Roscongress Foundation, at the II Russia–Thailand Investment Forum in Bangkok. On 30 October, he took part in a joint session organised by Delovaya Rossiya (Business Russia) and the Federation of Thai Industries, as well as in the plenary session entitled “Russia–Thailand: A New Era of Economic Partnership”.
During the session “Transforming Business Associations: New Tools for Economic Partnership”, participants discussed practical mechanisms for helping companies enter each other’s markets, find reliable partners, establish joint ventures and localise production. Particular attention was paid to the role of business associations in fostering long-term economic ties.
Speaking at the session, Alexander Stuglev noted that business associations can facilitate joint initiatives by strengthening cooperation between entrepreneurs, government authorities, financial institutions and development institutions.
“The development of Russia–Thailand economic cooperation largely depends on companies’ readiness to move beyond initial contacts and start discussing specific projects. Business associations can help entrepreneurs find reliable partners, assess opportunities for entering new markets and identify promising areas for cooperation. The Roscongress Foundation is ready to support these efforts by leveraging its international partner network and tools for facilitating business cooperation,” Alexander Stuglev said.
In his remarks, he also presented the opportunities offered by the Roscongress Foundation’s international platform, Roscongress International, and its investment platform, RK-Investments, which is designed to attract financing and support investment, business and export projects.
In particular, during SPIEF-2026, the Roscongress International Business Communication Zone hosted 18 thematic events and more than 100 business meetings, with 30 cooperation agreements signed. The Russia–Thailand Business Council was among the partners of the Business Communication Zone.
Special attention was also given to supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). For the first time, SPIEF-2026 hosted a dedicated meeting between Russian and international SMEs, bringing together around 60 business representatives from Russia, the UAE, China, India, Côte d’Ivoire and Brazil. The Roscongress Foundation intends to continue developing similar formats, including with the participation of Thai companies.
Alexander Stuglev continued to address practical economic cooperation at the plenary session “Russia–Thailand: A New Era of Economic Partnership”. In his speech, he outlined promising areas for bilateral cooperation, including industry, energy, agriculture, transport and logistics, digital technologies, healthcare and tourism.
According to Alexander Stuglev, further development of economic ties requires consistent efforts to address issues related to logistics, certification, customs procedures and financial settlements. At the same time, significant potential lies in expanding investment cooperation, industrial collaboration and the implementation of joint technological projects.
“Russia and Thailand have the resources and expertise needed to further expand their economic partnership. Today, it is important to identify areas where the interests of our countries align and create favourable conditions for implementing specific initiatives. Prospects for cooperation are linked to the development of industrial collaboration, investment ties and joint production projects. We expect that direct dialogue between business representatives will help expand practical cooperation and lay the groundwork for new agreements,” Alexander Stuglev emphasised.
During the plenary session, he also noted that Russia and Thailand will mark the 130th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2027. This milestone will provide an additional opportunity to discuss prospects for economic and investment cooperation.
The Roscongress Foundation continues to strengthen its engagement with Thai partners. In December 2024, the Foundation held its first outreach session in Bangkok, followed by the inaugural Russia–Thailand Investment Forum in Phuket in November 2025. Today, the Foundation’s international partner network brings together 258 organisations across 93 countries.
Concluding his remarks at the plenary session, Alexander Stuglev invited representatives of the Thai business community to attend the anniversary, 30th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), which will take place on 16–19 June 2027.
The II Russia–Thailand Investment Forum is taking place in Bangkok from 29 to 31 October 2026. The organiser is the Russia–Thailand Business Council, with the Roscongress Foundation acting as the event’s organisational partner.
