Vice President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Russian Federation Vladimir Padalko met on Friday, December 24, with a delegation from the Islamic Republic of Iran led by Deputy Minister of Agricultural Jihad Mohammad Mehdi Borumandi.   During the conversation, which had a lively and frank character on the problems of bilateral trade, the sides expressed their readiness to remove the barriers that arise. This, in particular, concerned the restrictions imposed by Rospotrebnadzor on the supply of certain types of agricultural goods from Iran.   “We need to exchange standards and give the regulatory authorities an opportunity to be guided by them and no longer raise this issue,” said Vladimir Padalko. The Iranian representative said that his side is fully prepared for the exchange of standards between supervising bodies.   The opinion was expressed to use more actively the sea route when delivering goods from Iran to Russia.  The Iranian side offered to invest in the construction of a port in Makhachkala (Dagestan), which could receive supplies from Iran. “The shipment of goods by sea should be our priority,” Iranian officials said. They also discussed the obstacles arising during the transit of Iranian goods to Russia through Azerbaijan.    An increase in trade between Russia and Iran was noted, which in January-September amounted to $ 2.9 billion. Agriculture plays an important role in the development of bilateral cooperation, stressed Vladimir Padalko. The deputy minister called Russia a "friendly and neighboring country", relations with which are gaining new development, especially now, when a new cabinet of ministers has come to power in Iran and a new president has been elected. The Iranian official noted the high quality of agricultural products of his country, thanks to the natural conditions.   "The peculiarity of Iran is such a geographical latitude that allows not to use pesticides," the deputy minister said. According to him, the color and taste of the products are at the highest level.   Mohammad Mehdi Borumandi expressed regret over the restrictions imposed by Rospotrebnadzor on the supply of Iranian agricultural products to Russia, primarily red pepper. In this regard, the Iranian representative suggested inviting an inspection, which could check the quality of the manufactured products on the spot.   The deputy minister stressed that the Iranian side is striving to overcome these obstacles as soon as possible, and also expressed interest in Russian investments.   The Iranian side made a proposal to hold a meeting of representatives of the Chambers of Commerce of the two countries, where it would be possible to study the requirements of Russian laws for the supplied products, including vegetables and fruits, and develop a plan for joint trade. In this regard, Vladimir Padalko suggested that such meetings-seminars be devoted to training of Iranian entrepreneurs in the correct execution of customs and other Russian documents, in particular, accompanying certificates.   Speaking at the meeting, Chairman of the Russian-Iranian Business Council Vladimir Obydenov expressed his readiness to participate in solving emerging problems. He noted the contribution of the Council not only to the search for trade partners for business, but also to the growth of trade between the two countries. Vladimir Obydenov expressed the opinion that the only obstacle to the council's activities is the COVID-19 pandemic.   The meeting was attended by deputies of the Iranian Majlis, employees of the Iranian Embassy in Russia.   By Peter Cheremushkin, Press Service of the Chamber

On December 21, at the capital of Indonesia, Jakarta, was opened a regional office of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Russian Federation with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The presentation of the opening was held by videoconference, which was moderated from Moscow by the Vice President of the  Chamber Vladimir Padalko.   Sergey Katyrin, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, addressed the participants of the video conference with a welcoming speech.   In his address, he called the opening of a representative office of the Chamber in the region a deliberate, verified and timely step that corresponds with the development of the global economy. “The vector of business activity in the world is shifting towards Asia and, at the same time, the economic importance of the top ten countries is growing. It is in Southeast Asia where production, trade, financial-investment and logistics routes intersect, decisions that are significant for the global economics are made,” Sergey Katyrin said.   Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Indonesia Lyudmila Vorobyova, Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to ASEAN Alexander Ivanov, Head of the Committee for Relations with Russia and the CIS of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce (CADIN) Dadit Ratam also addressed the participants in the opening ceremony.   The participants were addressed by the regional representative of the Chamber in the ASEAN Vitaly Stogov, the trade representative of Russia in Indonesia Sergey Rossomakhov, the director of the department for market integration of the ASEAN Secretariat Le Quang Lan.   The speakers spoke about the development of trade and economic ties between the Russian and business circles of the ASEAN countries, as well as the prospects for interaction with Indonesia. The activity of the Representative Office will be aimed at rendering assistance to the members of the Russian Chamber in the development of relations with foreign partners in the ASEAN countries.   By Peter Cheremushkin, Press Service of the Chamber

"Over the past thirty years, the Chamber of Commerce has retained its function and developed into a powerful structure that provides services to entrepreneurs." This was stated by the vice-president of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Russian Federation Vladimir Padalko, speaking at the meeting of the heads of the chambers of the CIS countries on December 17 on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the Commonwealth of Independent States and the chairmanship of the Republic of Belarus in the CIS.   “It is gratifying to note our unity,” said the Vice President of the Chamber, addressing the conference participants via video communication.   In general, the statistics showed the resilience of the CIS economies to external shocks. The volume of trade in the Commonwealth increased by almost 27 percent in the first half of the year. In the first nine months of this year, trade between Russia and the CIS countries amounted to 67.6 billion US dollars and increased by 28 percent.   Vladimir Padalko called on the heads of the chambers of commerce and industry of the CIS countries to establish closer cooperation in the International Federation of Chambers of Commerce and work in this organization all together. He also asked to support Russia's application for holding the EXPO-2030 exhibition in Moscow.   The vice-president of the Russian Chamber noted the increasing role of Business Councils in cooperation between countries, calling them a comprehensive toolkit. He said that the Russian side is ready to share best practices in the development of public services markets. Vladimir Padalko proposed to popularize the activities of the chambers of the CIS countries and expand the collection published by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Russian Federation on the industrial potential of Russia, adding there the CIS countries.   The meeting, chaired by the President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Belarus Vladimir Ulakhovich, was devoted to summing up the results of the integration processes that have taken place over the past 30 years.   The chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Republic of Uzbekistan Adham Ikramov, acting Vice-President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Republic of Armenia Karen Ivanov, Chairman of the Board of the Foreign Trade Chamber of Kazakhstan Ayan Erenov, Senior Vice-President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Kyrgyz Republic Roman Kasymov, Vice-President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Republic of Moldova Natalia Kalenik, First Deputy Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Kyrgyz Republic Industrial Chamber of the Republic of Tajikistan Nasim Anvarov, Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan Dovletgeldi Rejepov.   By Peter Cheremushkin, Press Service of the Chamber

The annual forum "VI Russian-Singapore Business Dialogue" was held on December 17 by the Russian-Singapore Business Council (RSBC) with the support of the State Corporation "Rostech".   The forum was opened by Nikolay Volobuev, Chairman of the Russian-Singapore Business Council. He noted that, despite the limitations associated with the pandemic, a communication format has been found that allows discussing pressing problems and determining the vector of movement in cooperation between Russian and Singaporean business circles.   Nikolai Volobuev recalled that the Council was created 12 years ago on the initiative of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Russian Federation with the support of the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation and the State Corporation "Rostech" for the development of economic, political and cultural contacts, in order to increase the volume of trade in high-tech products between the EAEU and ASEAN.   Mr.Volobuev noted that these days in Singapore, for the third time, the Week of Russian Cinema, organized by the Council, is being held with great success, which shows the growth of interest in Russian culture in the region. And thanks to cultural contacts, trust in each other in business is also strengthened.   The Vice President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Russia Vladimir Padalko agreed with this statement, emphasizing that it is the richest culture that distinguishes Russia, it brings together and allows solving the most complex issues of the development of bilateral relations.   According to the Vice President of the Chamber, Russian-Singaporean business ties are developing. Thus, according to the results of 3 quarters of 2021, the growth of mutual trade turnover amounted to more than 40%, Russian exports increased by 58%, and Singapore's imports to Russia - by 8.7%. Mr. Padalko stressed that among all 76 business councils at the Chamber and the Council takes one of the leading places.   The business dialogue was held in a mixed format through a teleconference - at the site of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Russian Federation in Moscow and at the Center for Foreign Promotion of Russian High-Tech Companies and Presentation of Investment Projects of the RSBC in Singapore. The meeting was attended by representatives of large and medium-sized enterprises, investment funds, public and scientific organizations, heads of state bodies and municipal authorities, representatives of Russian regions, countries of Southeast Asia and the European Union.   A cooperation agreement was signed between the ANO Consortium Medical Technology, the Primakov National Research Institute of World Economy and International Relations of the Russian Academy of Sciences (IMEMO RAN) and the ASEAN Center at MGIMO of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Then there were plenary sessions on a wide range of topics, within the framework of which there were presentations of investment projects of Russian regions and targeted Asian funds, a technology fair, cultural and educational parts, as well as a meeting of the youth section.   The business dialogue was streamed online: https://youtu.be/Eromuq3p76Q   Press Service of the Chamber  

The Chamber hosted a meeting between the President of the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Sergei Katyrin and the President of the National Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Mongolia Otgondavaa Amartuvshin. The conversation took place on December 17 at the sidelines of the official visit of Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh to Russia.   At his opening remarks Sergei Katyrin expressed confidence that the official visit of the President of Mongolia was successful. And the chambers of commerce and industry will have to contribute to the further development of economic ties between the two countries.   “Traditionally, we will focus on interregional ties. They really give a great return - contracts are concluded, joint projects are implemented, interaction between companies is being established. Moreover, we must first of all help small and medium-sized companies find each other,” said Sergey Katyrin.   According to him, one should not forget about exhibition activities. The subsidiary organization of the Russian Chamber - Expocentre - is quickly restoring the volume of its work and is opened to new projects.   Otgondavaa Amartuvshin confirmed that the interaction of the chambers of commerce and industry plays an important role in expanding economic ties between the two countries. One of the largest joint projects in the near future is the holding of the United Trade and Economic Forum of Russia, China and Mongolia. Its main theme will be the expansion of the economic corridor between the three countries, including the development of gas pipeline infrastructure, roads and railways. The forum is scheduled to be held next year in Mongolia.   Another topical issue is the training of the staff of the chamber, who are engaged in international trade and foreign economic activity. The pandemic has shown, Otgondavaa Amartuvshin admitted, that Mongolia has lagged behind in this area. The closure of its borders by the country's main trading partner, China, forced Mongolia to reconsider its work in the markets of other countries.   Another aspect of the joint work of chambers of commerce and industry is the development of trade and economic ties between Mongolia and the border regions of Russia. And here it is important to resume the project to create a joint laboratory for the examination of Mongolian goods. This would help promote products from the country on the Russian market, Otgondavaa Amartuvshin emphasized.   The President noted that the Chamber is ready to support Mongolian counterparts, for instance, to accept Mongolian colleagues for training. It is only necessary to decide in what areas and where the training will take place. One of the options is that an internship can also be carried out in regional Chambers, which actively cooperate with Mongolia.   The meeting was attended by the Chairman of the Chamber of Mongolia Tumenjargal Duuren, Chairman of the Chamber of the Republic of Tyva Ayas Monge, Director of the Department of External Relations of the Chamber of Russia Alexander Kopkov.   Press Service of the Russian Chamber  

The session was attended by the members of Russian business community, who spoke about their work in Serbia and their plans.

A meeting of the Russia-Nigeria Business Council was held at the Chamber

The Chamber is Prepared to Take an Active Part in Supporting Small and Medium-Sized Businesses in the Black Sea region

The Ambassador Lee Sok Bae said that bilateral trade between Russia and South Korea is recovering at a high rate after the recession caused by the coronavirus epidemic

On December 3, in the Moscow Manege, at the International Forum of Civil Participation #MYVMESTE, an off-site, open meeting of the Council of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Russian Federation on sustainable business development, corporate social responsibility and volunteering took place.   It was attended by the First Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration of the Russian Federation Sergey Kiriyenko, President of the Chamber Sergei Katyrin, Vice President of the Chamber Maxim Fateev, Director of the Regional Development Department of the Chamber Ilya Zubkov, as well as members of the Council, guests and participants of the # MYVMESTE Forum.   In his opening remarks, Sergei Kiriyenko emphasized that the Chamber is fulfilling important tasks for the state and thanked the members of the Council for the work carried out and the initiative shown.   Sergei Kiriyenko noted that the situation with the pandemic has once again confirmed: in the modern world, business efficiency is largely determined not only by financial results, but also by its social mission, the ability to influence the pressing problems of society. Many companies are already actively integrating sustainable development goals into their business strategies, and sustainable development and social responsibility are becoming the basis for the long-term operation of the business, he stressed.   Global challenges (including environmental degradation, climate change, rapid technological renewal) place new demands on government institutions, international organizations and business, including the non-profit sector. Business today is fully responsible for what the world will be like tomorrow and what the next generations will face, says the First Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration of the Russian Federation.   According to Sergei Kiriyenko, “we are faced with the task of not only reconfiguring individual management and production processes, but also forming a new business and social culture, the development of which is based not on competition, but on effective cooperation”.   The companies whose representatives are represented on the Council have unique expertise and have something to share, I am sure the First Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration of the Russian Federation, this is the strength of such public platforms as the Council.   In his speech, Sergey Katyrin recalled that since 2017, the social responsibility of the CCI has been enshrined in the Standard of its activities. In 2020, the Chamber held 627 charitable events, in 2021 - more than 450.   In the fall, we developed a system of indicators and conducted an internal audit of the contribution that the system of chambers of commerce and industry makes to the achievement of sustainable development goals, assessed which products and services of the Chamber to a greater extent can contribute to the effective integration of the sustainable development agenda into the Russian business environment, said head of the Chamber.   According to Sergei Katyrin, the task of the Chamber is to expand the tools used to achieve these goals, help choose the most effective ways and formats for their implementation, and share best practices.   A methodological guide has already been developed to help territorial Chambers and entrepreneurs, so that they can figure out which processes and indicators of their internal activities are correlated with the ESG agenda and with what parameters and topics it makes sense to work in the first place. It is important for the Chamber system to focus on those areas where our expertise and resources are strong, where we can provide real assistance to businesses in ESG transformation, the head of the Chamber noted.   In conclusion, Sergey Katyrin made a proposal to the members of the Council and heads of large Russian and international companies to involve regional divisions in projects and initiatives of the Chamber and the Council.   Further, new initiatives of the Council were presented by Irina Arkhipova, Director for Corporate Relations and Sustainable Development of Coca-Cola HBC Russia, Chairperson of the Council's Commission for Business Practices for SDGs and Yulia Alekseeva, Head of the Social Development Department of Russian Railways, Chairperson of the Development of Corporate Volunteering Commission Council.   The meeting was chaired by Tatyana Terentyeva, Chairman of the Council, Deputy General Director for Human Resources of the Rosatom Corporation.   Press Service of the Chamber    

Vice President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Russian Federation Vladimir Padalko met on December 6 with the Ambassador of Montenegro to Moscow Milorad Šćepanović. Both sides noted that the current state of bilateral relations is not in the best shape and does not meet the needs of our countries.    Vladimir Padalko said that trade is at a low level and business contacts have come to naught. “Of course, this is not in the interests of the entrepreneurs of the two countries,” he stressed.   “Good relations have been preserved between our peoples, but this is not enough to restore cooperation at a normal level,” stressed the Vice President of the Chamber, positively assessing the aspiration of the head of the diplomatic mission of Montenegro to improve bilateral relations.   Montenegrin Ambassador Milorad Šćepanović said that his government is ready to start normalization process. “There is a strong political will on our part to renew our contacts in order to make the necessary contribution to our relations,” the Ambassador said, noting an important role of chambers of commerce in this process.   Milorad Šćepanović drew attention to the importance of developing economic relations. Tourism from Russia to Montenegro can be considered a priority in this sense. "Tourism from Russia to Montenegro is in the first place among our economic ties," he said. “This year the season was better than last, and last year it was simply disastrous due to the coronavirus pandemic,” the diplomat emphasized. He also noted the importance of such an industry as investment. “Russia is a constant investor in Montenegro,”-  he noted, reminding that such firms as Lukoil and NOVATEK operate in his country.   “Lukoil” operates a network of 11 of its own gas stations, occupying about 12% of the local motor fuel market. September 14, 2016 "daughter" of "NOVATEK" - "NOVATEK Montenegro D.V." and a subsidiary of the Italian company "Eni S.p.A" - "Eni Montenegro B.V." concluded a concession agreement with the government of Montenegro for the exploration and production of hydrocarbons in four offshore blocks located in the Adriatic Sea. In April 2021, the consortium commenced drilling on the first of two planned wells.   According to the Ambassador, the good tradition of relations between Russia and Montenegro requires to achieve more in the development of cooperation. In conclusion, Vladimir Padalko called the meeting held "an important starting point" for expanding business relations with Montenegro.   By Peter Cheremushkin, Chamber Press Office

On the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, December 3, a meeting of the Board of Trustees, the Organizing Committee and the Jury of the “International Philanthropist Prize for Outstanding Achievements of Persons with Disabilities in the Field of Culture and Art” was held at the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The meeting was chaired by the President of the Chamber, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Philanthropist Prize Sergey Katyrin.   The meeting was attended by Chairman of the Prize Organizing Committee, Chairman of the All-Russian Society of Disabled People, State Duma Deputy Mikhail Terentyev, Chairman of the Prize Jury, President of the Russian Academy of Arts Zurab Tsereteli, founder of the Philanthropist Foundation Gennady Anichkin.   The meeting summed up the results of the XI competition for laureates of the Philanthropist Prize and launched a new competition, which will end on August 17, 2023, on the day of the 35th anniversary of the All-Russian Society of Disabled People. According to Sergei Katyrin, the date for summing up the results of the new competition was not chosen by chance: the All-Russian Society of Disabled People is one of the largest public organizations that has done a lot for people with disabilities.   The award ceremony of the laureates of the XI stage of the competition took place on May 27, 2021 at the MIA “Russia Today”. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the date had to be shifted - previously, the final of the award was held in even years. At the same time, some innovations were approved at a meeting at the Chamber. Thus, new members were added to the Board of Trustees and the Jury. Among them are the editor-in-chief of the publishing house “Argumenty i Fakty” Igor Chernyak, rector of the Institute of Contemporary Art Irina Sukholet, head of the representative office in Moscow of the Taipei-Moscow Coordination Commission for Economic and Cultural Cooperation Ken Zhong Yun, theater, film and stage actor Oleg Akulich.   An important point - the award has a new nomination "Philanthropists and Patrons". It will be awarded to business representatives for providing charitable and sponsorship assistance to people with disabilities and public organizations. The nomination has no monetary reward.   The form for accepting applications for participation in the competition has also changed. The emphasis will be on accepting applications electronically. This will allow the jury members to more objectively evaluate the creative works of the award nominees.   It is important, noted Gennady Anichkin, that in 2023 the amount of monetary remuneration to the laureates will increase, noted Gennady Anichkin. Last time the winners received 75 thousand rubles for the first place, 50 thousand for the second, and 35 thousand rubles for a special prize.   The Philanthropist Prize is awarded to people with disabilities for excellence in culture and the arts. The history of the project began in 1996, when the birth of the world's first international award for people with disabilities was announced at the forum of the Russian Youth Chamber. On May 27, 2000, the first presentation ceremony took place at the Novaya Opera Theater. In just two decades, more than 10 thousand people with disabilities from 36 countries of the world and Russia took part in the competition for the Prize, 470 applicants became its laureates.   Press Service of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry