KUALA LUMPUR: Russia and Asean are working on a new 10-year roadmap that will include key areas of economic cooperation and a target to achieve total trade of up to US$45bil (RM189.9bil) by 2035.
Russia’s Multilateral Cooperation and Special Projects General Director Nikita Kondratev said areas of cooperation to be explored in the Asean-Russia Strategic Cooperation Programme are the economy, sustainable development, climate change, and the joint certification of pharmaceutical products.
“One of the key topics will also be on halal cooperation, as Russia is one of the key exporters of meat and milk.
“So, we suggest that we set an ambitious goal of cooperation until 2035 to reach the joint trade turnover between Russia and Asean of up to US$45bil.
“That is our key goal, and we will try to achieve it within this period,” he said after the 14th Asean Economic Ministers (AEM)-Russia Consultation here on Friday (Sept 26).
“We are in the last stage of finalising the strategic cooperation,” he added, describing the consultation as successful.
Asked if Russian President Vladimir Putin will be present at the 47th Asean Summit and Related Summits in October, Nikita said it is still undecided.
“It is now under consideration by the Russian President’s Office. When the decision is made, the official authorities will announce it,” he said.
Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz said Asean and Russian ties were officially established in July 1996, during the 29th Asean Summit in Jakarta.
“Since then, Asean and Russia have continued to strengthen cooperation in various areas, including trade and investment, and logistics, among others,” Tengku Zafrul added.
He also said that as of last year, Russia was Asean’s 10th largest trading partner with total trade amounting to US$18.13bil (RM76.52bil).
He also said Russia is Asean’s 11th largest source of foreign direct investment (FDI) among its dialogue partners, valued at US$65.17mil (RM275mil).
“I am confident that guided by the spirit of partnership and mutual respect, our discussions will help reinforce the foundations of Asean-Russia economic ties and pave the way for even greater cooperation in the years ahead,” he added.
