On December 9, a meeting of the American-Russian Business Dialogue took place in Dubai (UAE), during which Sergey Katyrin, President of the Chamber, and Robert Agee, President of the American Chamber of Commerce in Russia, discussed the state and prospects of bilateral business cooperation. The event was organized by the Roscongress Foundation and the American Chamber of Commerce in Russia. The presidents of the chambers, who continue to maintain regular working contacts with each other in the current difficult geopolitical conditions, noted the importance of preserving stable channels of trade and economic cooperation. Sergey Katyrin and Robert Agee noted that, despite existing problems and non-economic obstacles, the business communities of Russia and the United States proceed from the necessity of maintaining professional dialogue. In the current difficult geopolitical situation, the heads of both chambers believe it is important to focus on discussing pragmatic aspects of cooperation prospects, which will serve as a stabilizing factor and an instrument for building mutual trust at the level of business circles, industry associations, and the expert community. The parties agreed to continue coordinating their work to facilitate the formation of a more favorable environment for Russian and American businesses, reduce risks, and strengthen business ties. Following the meeting, a joint statement was adopted. Participants also agreed to hold meetings of the American-Russian Dialogue on an annual basis.   Press Service of the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry  

The Russian delegation from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Russian Federation, led by President Sergey Katyrin, has concluded its participation in a business mission held in Havana on the sidelines of the 41st Havana International Trade Fair (FIHAV). The mission included the ceremonial opening of the Russian exhibit. Speaking at the ceremony, Sergey Katyrin emphasized the importance of exhibition events for promoting Russian products and strengthening economic ties. "Major international exhibitions and congresses, such as FIHAV, act as a significant driver of mutual trade and investment. It is essential to continue the practice of Russian exhibitors participating in FIHAV and to count on more active participation by Cuban businesses in Expocentre exhibitions," he noted. The same day saw the Russian-Cuban Business Forum take place. According to the President of the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, despite geopolitical challenges, economic cooperation continues to develop dynamically. "By the end of the first half of 2025, trade turnover between Russia and Cuba grew by 17%, and exports by 15.4%. Further progress is certainly possible. This requires improving financial mechanisms, expanding logistics routes, creating more favorable conditions for investors, and exploiting new opportunities associated with Cuba's accession to the BRICS partner states," Sergey Katyrin stated. The Forum discussed areas for further cooperation—agro-industrial complex, pharmaceuticals and medicine, industry and energy, digital technologies, transport, and tourism. Special attention was paid to the participation of Russian companies in Cuba's industrial modernization, including the restoration of the sugar industry and projects within the Mariel Special Economic Zone. During the visit to Cuba, Sergey Katyrin met with Antonio Luis Carricarte Corona, President of the Cuban Chamber of Commerce; Eloy Alvarez Martinez, Minister of Industry; and Oscar Pérez Oliva Fraga, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Trade and Investment. The negotiations focused on industrial cooperation, investment initiatives, logistics, and the development of direct interaction mechanisms. The business mission included representatives from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry system of the Russian Federation, as well as companies from the agro-industrial complex, medicine, pharmaceuticals, energy, IT, and tourism sectors.   Press Service of the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry  

On November 25, the multi-sector business mission of the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry to Cuba, led by Sergey Katyrin, President of the Chamber, continued its work. In the morning, Sergey Katyrin met with Antonio Luis Carricarte Corona, President of the Cuban Chamber of Commerce. The parties discussed the current state of business ties, the participation of Russian companies in Cuba's industrial development programs, and the expansion of direct contacts between the chambers. Negotiations followed with Eloy Alvarez Martinez, Cuban Minister of Industry, focusing on cooperation in industrial production, enterprise modernization, logistics, and joint high-tech projects. The day concluded with a meeting with Oscar Pérez Oliva Fraga, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Trade and Investment of Cuba. The discussion focused on opportunities to engage Russian companies in Cuban investment initiatives, participation in special development zones, and enhancing the resilience of trade chains. All events were held in a constructive atmosphere and confirmed a high level of mutual interest in expanding economic partnership. The Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry's business mission to Cuba included Vladimir Strashko, CEO of PJSC WTC, and Maxim Fateev, CEO of JSC Expocentre, as well as the presidents of the chambers of commerce and industry of Moscow, the Ryazan region, and the Lipetsk region. The mission is represented by companies and organizations operating in the agro-industrial complex and agriculture, medicine and pharmaceuticals, energy, information technology, tourism, and other sectors. Vladimir Padalko, Vice President of the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, is participating in the business mission.                            By Nail Shakhvaliyev,                            Press Service of the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry

On November 24, the Russian exhibit at the 41st Havana International Trade Fair (FIHAV) was officially opened in Cuba. At the ceremony, Sergey Katyrin, President of the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, delivered a welcoming address. He is visiting Havana as the head of a Chamber delegation participating in a multi-sector business mission.In his speech, the President of the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry emphasized the importance of exhibition events for promoting Russian products abroad."Major international exhibitions and congresses, such as FIHAV, act as a significant driver of mutual trade and investment. In this regard, we believe it is essential to continue the practice of Russian exhibitors participating in FIHAV. We also hope for more active participation by Cuban businesses in exhibitions held by Expocentre, the flagship of our exhibition industry," he noted. The next significant event on the delegation's Cuba itinerary was the Russian-Cuban Business Forum, organized with the support of the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Russia-Cuba Business Council, and the National Council of the Cuban Economic Union (NC SESLA)."Despite current geopolitical challenges, we and our Cuban colleagues continue to make fairly confident progress on a number of tracks of the current trade, economic, and investment agenda. At the same time, we understand that the potential of our cooperation is still far from being fully realized," he noted.By the end of the first half of 2025, trade turnover between Russia and Cuba had grown by 17%, and exports by 15.4%. According to Sergey Katyrin, further progress is possible with the improvement of financial mechanisms, the expansion of logistics routes, improved conditions for investors, and the exploitation of new opportunities associated with Cuba's accession to the BRICS partner states.The Forum brought together companies from both countries representing various sectors with potential for developing trade, economic, and investment potential: agro-industrial complex, pharmaceuticals and medicine, industry and energy, digital technologies, logistics and transport, and tourism.The possibility of Russian companies participating in the modernization of Cuba's industry, including the restoration of the sugar industry, as well as in projects within the Mariel Free Economic Zone, was also discussed.On the same day, the President of the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry held a working meeting with Vladimir Koronelli, the Russian Ambassador to Cuba, during which they discussed current bilateral issues, focusing on problematic areas of bilateral cooperation.A working meeting was also held between the head of the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Governor of the Ryazan Region, Pavel Malkov. A memorandum of cooperation was signed at the Ryazan Region stand between the regional Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Cuban company Suchel Camacho.                                                      Press Service of the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry,                                                                                  Department of External Relations

On November 24, a multi-sector business mission from the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry began its work in Havana. The delegation was led by Sergei Katyrin, President of the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The delegation included the heads of PJSC WTC and JSC Expocentre, as well as the presidents of the chambers of commerce and industry of Moscow, the Ryazan Region, and the Lipetsk Region. The mission included companies and organizations operating in the agro-industrial complex and agriculture, medicine and pharmaceuticals, energy, information technology, tourism, and other sectors. Key events on the program included participation in the opening ceremony of the 41st Havana International Fair and Exhibition (FIHAV), a Russian-Cuban business forum organized by the Russia-Cuba Business Council and the National Commission for Economic Co-operation and Development (NC SESLA), and a visit to investment infrastructure facilities, including the Mariel Free Economic Zone. Vice-President of the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Vladimir Padalko is participating in the business mission.                                                                                         By Nail Shakhvaliev,                                                                                         Press Service of the Chamber

On November 17, the World Trade Center in Moscow hosted a meeting between Sergey Katyrin, President of the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Ren Hongbin, President of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIIT), who was in Moscow to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Heads of Government Meeting.The Chinese guest, who heads the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry's main partner organization in China, congratulated Sergey Katyrin on his re-election as Chamber President at the recently held 9th Congress of the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and wished him continued success in supporting the Russian business community over the next five years. He noted that the two organizations have enjoyed many years of close and productive cooperation for the benefit of businesses in both countries.Sergey Katyrin briefed Ren Hongbin on the key outcomes of the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Congress and the Chamber's priority areas for 2026–2030, focusing on strengthening international cooperation and foreign economic activity. Sergey Katyrin noted that constructive cooperation has been developing between the Russian Chamber and the KCSMT in recent years, thanks to the active work of the external relations departments in Moscow and Beijing, as well as the external relations departments of the regional Chambers, and the representative offices of the KCSMT in Moscow and the Chamber's in Beijing and Shanghai.Sergey Katyrin expressed special gratitude to the Russian-Chinese Business Council (RCBC), whose Russian branch is headed by Gennady Timchenko and whose Chinese branch is headed by Ren Hongbin.Sergey Katyrin praised the KCSMT's contribution to joint work within the SCO Business Council, noting that in the new economic and geopolitical realities, trade, economic, and business cooperation are increasingly becoming a priority within this organization. The Russian side, the President of the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry emphasized, sees a steady increase in business interest in the SCO cooperation agenda and believes this has a positive impact on mutual trade turnover.Sergey Katyrin and Ren Hongbin agreed that China's visa waiver for Russian entrepreneurs, as well as Russia's planned reciprocal measures in the near future, will inevitably lead to a significant increase in business exchanges between representatives of Russian regions and Chinese provinces, as well as an increase in the number of business-related events. In this regard, the heads of the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the KCSMT agreed to develop measures to streamline and systematize such trips within their respective structures in order to improve their effectiveness and avoid potential overlaps.The heads of the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry's subsidiaries actively working with China on exhibitions, fairs, and commodity expertise—Expocentre JSC and SoyuzExpertiza ANO—delivered their presentations. Maxim Fateev, General Director of Expocentre JSC, discussed Russian-Chinese cooperation in the exhibition and trade fair industry, noting that Chinese businesses hold a strong leading position among international partners. Thus, while 169 Chinese companies participated in 19 Expocentre exhibition projects in 2022, 3,856 Chinese companies participated in 24 exhibitions in 2024.Marat Bimatov, General Director of the ANO SoyuzExpertiza of the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, noted that the significant intensification of Russian-Chinese trade and economic cooperation has led to a significant expansion of bilateral cooperation in areas such as commodity inspection, examination, certification, testing, and product conformity assessment. China has been and remains a key priority for SoyuzExpertiza, he emphasized. The meeting was also attended by Yevgeny Markin, Executive Director of the Russian-Chinese Business Council, who expressed gratitude to Ren Hongbin for the long-standing constructive cooperation between the RCBC and the CCSMT.The parties also discussed a number of other issues on the bilateral and multilateral agenda.                                                                                                        By Dmitriy Bystrov,                                                                                                        Department of External Relations

On November 13, at the Central Trade Fair Center, during the second plenary session of the IX Congress of the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Chamber's governing bodies and work program until 2030 were approved. Delegates unanimously re-elected Sergey Katyrin as President of the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry for a new five-year term. The membership of the Council of the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry was also approved: 81 members representing all federal districts, regional chambers of commerce and industry, as well as industry unions and business associations. The Congress also approved the proposed composition of the Council. The Board of the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry was elected, consisting of 21 members: 15 were elected by Congress delegates, and six more will join the Board ex officio following the appointment of the Chamber's vice presidents. Delegates unanimously supported the proposed composition of the Audit Commission. Following four key discussion sessions held at the Congress and dedicated to strategic areas for the development of the economy, business, and the country's foreign economic relations, Vladimir Katenev, President of the St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry Union; Vladimir Gamza, Chairman of the RF CCI Council for Financial, Industrial, and Investment Policy; Sergey Bashkatov, Chairman of the RF CCI Council for the Development of Family Entrepreneurship; and Andrey Spartak, Chairman of the RF CCI Council for Foreign Economic Activity, presented their proposals. President Sergey Katyrin presented the Congress's resolution on the Chamber's activities since the VIII Congress. He proposed declaring the Chamber's performance in the reporting years satisfactory. The Congress also approved the report of the Chamber Audit Commission, which was also supported unanimously.                                                                                            By Naile Shakhvaliyev,                                                                                            Press Service of the Chamber 

On November 13, the IXth Congress of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Russian Federation is taking place at the Moscow Central Trade Center. It is the main event in the life of the country's largest business community, held every five years. Participating in the event are Chamber President Sergey Katyrin, representatives of federal and regional government bodies, heads of chambers of commerce and industry of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation, industry unions, associations, and business associations. "A total of 476 delegates are expected, including 385 representatives of regional chambers of commerce and industry," noted Katyrin. Two plenary sessions and four discussion panels will be held throughout the day. The first will focus on industrial and technological policy, including sovereignty and new business opportunities. The second will focus on export and international cooperation, and the development of new routes and markets. The third will discuss the role of small businesses as the foundation for sustainable regional development. The business program will conclude with a discussion of the development strategy for the chamber of commerce and industry system, its resources, and partnership opportunities. The Congress is expected to result in the approval of a new development course for the chambers of commerce and industry system and the adoption of resolutions reflecting the consolidated position of the business community. A live broadcast of the plenary sessions (at 10:00 and 14:30) is available below on the page or via the link >>>. Information on the preparations for the IX Congress of the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, its conduct, and the results of its work will be posted on the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry's website.                                                          By Nail Shakhvaliev,                                                          Press Service of the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry

On October 27, the Chamber hosted a meeting between Chamber President Sergey Katyrin and representatives of foreign business communities.The meeting focused on current issues of foreign economic activity and the interaction of foreign entrepreneurs with Russian partners.Vladimir Padalko, Vice-President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Russian Federation, moderated the meeting.In his opening remarks, the President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Russian Federation noted that the meeting was taking place on the eve of the IX Congress of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Russian Federation, which will take place on November 13, 2025, at the World Trade Center."We would like to hear your suggestions, as the Congress will adopt the Chamber's program of activities for the next five years. It is important for us to know your views—what areas should be included in our work and what to focus on in the coming years," emphasized Sergey Katyrin.He noted that the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) system in the Russian Federation currently comprises 57,000 legal entities, 130 regional chambers, and a combined network of representative offices covering more than 350 points of presence. Furthermore, the Chamber has representative offices in 40 countries, which contributes to the strengthening of international business ties."For us, the most important thing is to maintain and expand the relationships we have established with our foreign colleagues. We strive to develop cooperation with all countries, regardless of political circumstances," added the head of the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.In his speech, Vadim Chubarov, Vice President of the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, spoke, in particular, about the activities of the International Commercial Arbitration Court at the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and emphasized that international cooperation in arbitration is actively developing.For example, he noted that from 2021 to 2025, representatives of the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry will participate in the work of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL). Cooperation agreements have been concluded between the International Commercial Arbitration Court and arbitration centers in China, Iran, India, Tajikistan, and Turkey.In the Asian panel, Ke Jin, Deputy Chairman of the Union of Chinese Entrepreneurs in Russia, raised the issue of customs clearance of Chinese automobile products. Gao Qi, General Representative of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, discussed visa and immigration formalities for Chinese entrepreneurs.Anjani Kumar Das (India), Director for Russia and the CIS at Amoga Globex, highlighted issues of payments, logistics, and administrative barriers.Ravindra Bhattarai (Nepal), Secretary General of the Organization of Nepalese Entrepreneurs in Russia and the CIS, spoke about certification, logistics, and financial settlements.Erdem Ajay, Chairman of the Association of Russian and Turkish Entrepreneurs, opened the Middle East and Africa section, focusing on business insurance, banking services, and logistics.Uwem Edimo Sampson (Nigeria), Managing Director of the Trailtrans Logistics Group, shared the experiences of African entrepreneurs working in Russia and outlined prospects for expanding business cooperation with the African continent. Domingo García (Mexico), founder and president of the Latin American Chamber of Commerce in Russia (CCLAR), spoke on behalf of Latin American countries, discussing current issues affecting entrepreneurs in the region and export-import transactions with Russian partners.Representatives from the United States and Europe participated in the meeting. Robert Agee, President of the American Chamber of Commerce in Russia; Tadzio Schilling, CEO of the Association of European Businesses; Vincenzo Trani, President of the Italian-Russian Chamber of Commerce; and Ulf Schneider, President of the Schneider Group, discussed practical aspects of Western companies operating in Russia, including taxation, financial risks, visa regimes, and administrative burdens.In his closing remarks, Sergey Katyrin, President of the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, noted that many of the issues raised require further clarification and discussion with relevant agencies. He emphasized that all proposals made will be thoroughly analyzed. Summing up, Sergey Katyrin noted that, despite the departure of a number of foreign companies from the Russian market, many entrepreneurs continue to operate in the country, demonstrating resilience and a willingness to engage in dialogue. He also proposed holding similar meetings on a regular basis to discuss emerging issues and find prompt solutions.                                                                               By Nail Shakhvaliyev,                                                            Press Service of the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry

On October 24, 2025, the Council of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Russian Federation decided on the date, time, and venue of the IX Congress of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Russian Federation. The next IX Congress of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Russian Federation will be held on November 13, 2025, at 12 Krasnopresnenskaya Embankment, Moscow (International Trade Center PJSC). The Congress will begin at 10:00 AM Moscow time.

On October 20, Vladimir Padalko, Vice-President of the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, held a meeting with Robert Agee, President of the American Chamber of Commerce in Russia (AmCham). Vladimir Padalko briefed his American counterpart on the goals and objectives of the upcoming meeting on October 27 at the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry between Chamber President Sergey Katyrin and heads of foreign business associations and foreign entrepreneurs. The meeting will also be attended by the American Chamber of Commerce President. The parties exchanged views on the agenda of this event. Welcoming the latest constructive contact between the heads of state, Robert Agee noted the American Chamber of Commerce's readiness to work with the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry to identify promising economic cooperation projects between the two countries, with a view to immediately launching them into concrete development as bilateral political relations improve. According to the head of the American Chamber of Commerce, promising sectors for Russian-American economic cooperation include healthcare and the medical industry, civil aviation, communications/telecom, natural resource extraction, and energy/energy equipment. An agreement was reached to intensify cooperation between the two chambers through industry committees and councils. A constructive exchange of views on other pressing issues of inter-chamber cooperation also took place.                                                                                                 By Dmitriy Bystrov,                                                                                                  Department of External Relations

On October 20, Dmitry Kurochkin, Vice-President of the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, spoke at the plenary session of the 22nd meeting of the International Business Cooperation Council of the Caspian Region, "Business Caspian,"* in Tehran. The Vice-President leads the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry delegation, which includes heads of chambers of commerce and industry and companies from 10 regions: Astrakhan, Arkhangelsk, Rostov, Volgograd, Ulyanovsk, and Tula Oblasts, the Republic of Tatarstan, the Republic of Adygea, Stavropol Krai, and Moscow. In his speech, Dmitry Kurochkin noted that the development of the Caspian region is important today not only for the neighboring countries, as it plays a significant role in the global economic system. Transit capabilities play a key role in realizing its potential: the North-South International Transport Corridor is a strategically important project in this area, the development of which will become the main driver of economic growth for the entire region in the coming years. The Chamber's Vice-President explained that business councils operate under the auspices of the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry with all Caspian region countries. Cooperation is developing intensively not only at the capital level but also at the regional level in these countries. Direct business contacts and mutual business missions have recently increased significantly.The plenary session was attended by Tizkhush Taban Hadi, President of the Joint Iran-Russia Chamber of Commerce; Mahmoud Najafi Arab, President of the Tehran Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture; Samad Hassanzadeh, President of the Iranian Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture; Leonid Lozhechko, Chairman of the Russian-Iranian Business Council; and others.That same day, the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry delegation held a working meeting with Ghadir Ghiyafeh, Vice President of the Iranian Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture. Also participating from the Russian side were Stanislav Sinchenko, President of the Astrakhan Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Marat Gish, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Republic of Adygea; Artur Nikolaev, First Vice President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Republic of Tatarstan; Yuri Alekseevsky, Vice President of the Rostov Region Chamber of Commerce and Industry; and Leonid Lozhechko, Chairman of the Russian-Iranian Business Council.In recent years, Russian companies have repeatedly conducted business missions to Iran, including with the support of regional chambers of commerce and industry. Delegations of Iranian businessmen have also shown interest in visiting Russia.Dmitry Kurochkin expressed gratitude to the Iranian side for its active steps in developing bilateral trade and economic ties and emphasized the importance of interregional cooperation.The Vice President of the Iranian Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture noted that the chamber consistently supports Iranian businessmen in establishing contacts with their Russian counterparts and facilitates their participation in Russian exhibitions. * The International Business Cooperation Council of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of the Caspian Region, "Business Caspian," was established in 1996 at the initiative of the Astrakhan Chamber of Commerce and Industry as a platform for inter-chamber dialogue involving businesses, representatives of the legislative, executive, and other branches of government, with the goal of promoting effective business cooperation in the region.The founders of the Council were the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Russian Federation, the Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and the Islamic Republic of Iran, and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Over the 29 years of its existence, the Council has held 21 meetings.                                                                                                 By Sergey Markelov,                                                                                                  Department of External Relations