Russian-Thai Investment Forum Opens in Bangkok, Boosts Trade Ties
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On October 30, 2026, in Bangkok, the 2nd Russian–Thai Investment Forum (RTIF2026) officially commenced with high-level representatives from government, private sector, and business organizations of both countries attending to promote economic partnership, strengthen trade and investment relations, and build long-term business cooperation networks between Russia and Thailand.
At the opening ceremony, a congratulatory message from Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov was conveyed to participants, expressing confidence that the forum would proceed constructively and wishing success to organizers, attendees, and distinguished guests. Additionally, Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt delivered remarks emphasizing the long-standing relationship between Russia and Thailand, noting the important milestones in 2027: the 130th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries and the 30th anniversary of the sister-city relationship between Moscow and Bangkok.
A key activity on the first day was the official launch of the Russian–Thai Trade Platform and the "Made in Russia" Exhibition and Trade Promotion Center. This center, established by the Russian–Thai Business Council (RTBC) together with the Russian Export Center (REC), aims to serve as a mechanism to support expanded trade and investment cooperation between the two nations.
The exhibition center showcases a wide range of Russian products, covering food and pharmaceutical products to industrial goods and technology. Its goal is to increase opportunities for Russian entrepreneurs to access the Thai market while opening channels for Thai entrepreneurs to directly access Russian goods and producers, and to promote business negotiations between the private sectors of both countries.
Vladimir Kovalev, Executive Director of the Russian–Thai Business Council, stated that opening the "Made in Russia" Exhibition and Trade Promotion Center in Thailand represents a significant step in developing support mechanisms for Russian entrepreneurs in the Southeast Asian region. The project goes beyond bilateral trade promotion to include support for standards certification, marketing, and legal matters, as well as creating favorable conditions for business negotiations, industrial cooperation development, and investment between the two countries.
Another important activity was a session on "Food Security: Agricultural Trade and Related Regulations," which aimed to discuss ways to expand agricultural trade between Russia and Thailand, including improving food import processes, veterinary and plant health oversight, food safety standards, and related regulatory frameworks.
