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Merry Christmas And Happy New Year 2026!
    26.12.2025

    The Russian-Syrian Business Council Held Meeting At Russian Chamber Of Commerce And Industry

    On December 25, a meeting of the Russian-Syrian Business Council, titled "Prospects for Restoring Trade and Economic Cooperation with Syria," was held at the Library of Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. In his opening remarks, Vladimir Padalko, Vice-President of the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, identified the primary objective as reviving bilateral business cooperation with the Syrian Arab Republic. "We would like to revive our relations," he said. Vladimir Padalko recalled that in recent years, twenty-one large-scale humanitarian campaigns have been carried out in Syria under the motto "With Love from Russia," covering ten provinces of the country. He reported that 30,000 families received assistance. Nevertheless, he noted, the change of power in Syria has led to many agreements no longer being effective. Some are afraid to go to Syria, and it is not always clear with whom to do business or how to organize a system of mutual settlements. He emphasized that government assistance would be needed for businesses to return to Syria. "We are concerned about the freezing of relations and the non-return of foreign currency," noted the Vice President of the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. "We are ready to engage in dialogue with the authorities, but we don't yet know how to do this or whether the previously signed agreements will be honored," he said.Vladimir Padalko proposed creating a large medical center in Syria, whose activities could be expanded throughout the country. He noted the importance of establishing permanent shipping and air links with Syria and emphasized the need for Russia to participate in industrial exhibitions. Vladimir Padalko named logistics, energy, agriculture, medicine, and charity as priority sectors. He particularly emphasized the need to transition trade to settlements in national currencies, which would significantly facilitate the lives of entrepreneurs.Abdulrazak Ismail, Chargé d'Affaires of the Syrian Arab Republic in the Russian Federation, who spoke at the meeting, noted the high level of political contacts between Russia and Syria that have developed recently.Timur Pechatkin, Deputy Director of the Middle East and North Africa Department at the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, noted that efforts are being made to establish dialogue and that Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani recently visited Moscow for talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. He assessed that political dialogue between the two countries has been restored and that the government will provide assistance in establishing contacts between business circles.Olga Trofimova, Deputy Head of the Middle East and North Africa Department at the Department for Bilateral Cooperation Development at the Russian Ministry of Economic Development, emphasized that contacts with the Syrian side have become ongoing.The keynote address was delivered by Louay Youssef, Chairman of the Russian-Syrian Business Council, who outlined the results of business activity and the RSBC's activities.Vladimir Padalko invited the numerous Syrian participants (almost all of whom spoke Russian) to introduce themselves. Many of them discussed the challenges faced by entrepreneurs and offered suggestions on how to improve cooperation in various sectors, from banking to agricultural exports.Vice-President of the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Vladimir Padalko proposed holding a separate conference at the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry for the Syrian business community in Russia in the first half of next year. He believes this will help renew relations across sectors from construction to logistics. He also noted that an inventory of the business council's membership base should be conducted. The Chamber's Vice-President proposed holding a business mission to Syria in the second half of the year, tying it in with a construction exhibition taking place in that country.                                                                                            By Peter Cheremushkin,                                                           Press Service of the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry
    16.12.2025

    Vladimir Padalko, Vice-President of The Chamber, Spoke at Plenary Session of XVI Russia-India Business Dialogue

    On December 16, Vladimir Padalko, Vice-President of The Chamber, spoke at the plenary session of the XVI Russia-India Business Dialogue, held at the press center of MIA Rossiya Segodnya. The event was organized by the Business Council for Cooperation with India, the Indian Business Alliance, the Government of Moscow, and Roscongress. The plenary session was dedicated to strengthening the strategic partnership between India and Russia in the context of a changing world order. Speakers addressed such aspects as resolving trade issues and seeking new opportunities; logistics and financial sustainability; industrial cooperation and import substitution; partnership in energy, technology, and innovation; and regional interaction. Vladimir Padalko, agreeing with the thesis about the enormous untapped potential of bilateral business cooperation, emphasized that the Russian business community faces essentially a threefold task in the Indian direction: significantly increasing knowledge about the specifics of working with India, strengthening and consolidating the interregional business agenda, and helping to eliminate the imbalance in mutual trade. The latter circumstance, in his opinion, acts as a certain constraining factor for intensifying the work of Indian businesses in Russia. The Vice-President of The Chamber reminded that effective communication with Indian partners requires patience, cultural adaptation, and a focus on long-term relationships from Russian companies. With the right approach, differences in business culture become not a barrier but a source of sustainable partnership. The success of Russian business in India, V. Padalko noted, is quite possible provided there is deep localization, cultural adaptation, a long-term strategy, and active institutional support, which The Chamber, the Business Council for Cooperation with India, and the Indian Business Alliance are ready to provide. Sergey Cheremin, Minister of the Moscow Government, Head of the Department of Foreign Economic and International Relations of the City of Moscow, Chairman of the Board of the Business Council for Cooperation with India, reported that in 2025, more than 50 significant events were held through the Business Council. According to him, the Moscow Government is ready to assist Indian businesses in localizing their production facilities in the city in such areas as mechanical engineering, instrument making, and electronics. Ambassador of India to the Russian Federation Mr. Vinay Kumar noted the high level of complementarity between the Russian and Indian economies, and therefore, in his opinion, the goal set by the leaders of both countries, V. Putin and N. Modi, to reach a mutual trade level of $100 billion by 2030 is more than achievable. The plenary session also featured speeches by Boris Titov, Special Representative of the President of the Russian Federation for Relations with International Organizations; Vladimir Platonov, President of the Moscow Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Taliya Minullina, Head of the Investment Development Agency of the Republic of Tatarstan; Igor Muraev, Deputy Chairman of the Government of the Arkhangelsk Region and Secretary of the State Council Commission of the Russian Federation on International Cooperation and Export; and others. Following the plenary session of the XVI Russia-India Business Dialogue, a meeting of the Board of the Business Council for Cooperation with India was held under the chairmanship of Sergey Cheremin, in which Vladimir Padalko participated. As the Deputy Head of The Chamber noted, Russian business as a whole, unfortunately, still underestimates Indian industry in terms of quality and reliability, although the time for such judgments should be in the past. Highly appreciating the activities of the Business Council for Cooperation with India in the outgoing year of 2025, he recommended that the Council continue its work to expand activities to Russian regions. In development of this, V. Padalko put forward an initiative to hold a special event of the Business Council at The Chamber with the involvement of the leadership of territorial chambers of commerce and industry, dedicated to building interaction with Indian states. The idea was supported by the Council's leadership.   Dmitry Bystrov, Department of External Relations
    10.12.2025

    Sergey Katyrin Addressed the Russia–UAE Business Forum

    On December 10, Sergey Katyrin, President of the Chamber, addressed the plenary session "Architecture of Long-Term Growth: New Horizons for Russia-UAE Cooperation" as part of the First Russia-UAE Business Forum in Dubai. The Forum was organized by the Russia-UAE Business Council (RUBC) jointly with the Roscongress Foundation, with the support of the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation and the Marathon Investment Group. The event brought together heads of leading companies and investment funds from Russia and the UAE, relevant ministries from both countries, and technology startups. Sergey Katyrin informed session participants that the Chamber system in the Russian Federation includes approximately 55,000 member organizations and provides services to more than 300,000 companies annually. "The Chamber has conducted and continues to systematically conduct work aimed at strengthening and enhancing the level of trade, economic, and business cooperation between the Russian Federation and Middle Eastern countries. In this regard, we decided to open an Office of the Honorary Representative of the Chamber in Dubai, responsible for interaction with businesses in the Middle Eastern region," he said. The President of the Chamber also reported that the Russia-UAE Business Council was reformatted this year, with an updated leadership (Alexander Vinokurov, President of the Marathon Investment Group, was appointed Chairman), and the membership base was updated. Sergey Katyrin noted that in terms of foreign economic relations, Russia has long been connected with the UAE and other Middle Eastern countries through various commercial projects and long-term investment contracts. According to him, more than 4,000 companies with Russian participation are registered in the UAE, enabling them to operate both within the UAE and beyond. Russian companies are predominantly represented in the IT, development, retail, and legal services sectors. "Today's Forum is a clear signal to the UAE business community of our readiness and interest in developing mutually beneficial long-term cooperation across the entire spectrum of trade, economic, and investment relations," Katyrin added. The plenary session also featured speeches by Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism; Anton Alikhanov, Minister of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation; Rustam Minnikhanov, Head of the Republic of Tatarstan; Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World; and Vitaly Sergeychuk, Member of the Management Board of VTB Bank.   Press Service of the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry  
    09.12.2025

    Chamber President Sergey Katyrin and American Chamber of Commerce in Russia President Robert Agee Discussed Business Cooperation

    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  
    03.12.2025

    Business Mission to Cuba Led by Chamber President Sergey Katyrin Concludes Work

    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  
    26.11.2025

    President of The Chamber Sergey Katyrin Met Cuban Officials At His Visit To Havana

    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
    25.11.2025

    Cuba. Havana. Sergey Katyrin Opened Russian Exhibit At 41st Havana International Trade Fair (FIHAV)

    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
    25.11.2025

    President Of The Chamber Sergey Katyrin Headed Business Mission To Cuba

    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
    18.11.2025

    In Moscow Sergey Katyrin Met Ren Hongbin, President Of China Council For The Promotion of International Trade (CCPIIT)

    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
    13.11.2025

    IX Congress Of The Chamber Of Commerce And Industry Of The Russian Federation. Sergey Katyrin Re-elected As Chamber's President For A Five-year Term

    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 
    13.11.2025

    The IXth Congress Of The Russian Chamber Of Commerce And Industry Is Taking Place In Moscow

    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
    27.10.2025

    The Chamber Hosted Meeting Between Sergey Katyrin And Representatives Of Foreign Business Community

    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